ANTONIO BLANCO (Filipino, 1927-1999)

The Spanish-Filipino Antonio Blanco is lauded for his draughtsmanship and his ability to convey a level of expressive sensuality in his paintings. Born in Manila, Philippines, Blanco's parents were originally from Catalonia, Spain. Educated at the Fine Arts Academy in New York, he was later based in Florida and California. He lived in Ubud, Bali from 1952 and his works are today housed in the Antonio Blanco Renaissance Museum in Ubud, Bali. Christie's is pleased to present three works from his Hawaii and Balinese days in this sale.
Meanwhile, Portrait of a Balinese Girl (Lot 3372) shows Blanco's infatuation with exotic beauty. The model's eyes shy away from confronting viewers directly, rather her sideways glance is suggestive and captivating. Blanco's application of paint is nearly impressionistic and complements the subject matter in a way which conveys a sense of liberation to the figures rather than restriction; giving the painting its breadth and movement.