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.
Girls with Vessels (Lot 3371) epitomises Blanco's eye for a specific moment; revealing women's sensuality without being overly explicit. The girls are lackadaisically quenching their thirst under the tropical heat and the figure in the foreground slightly squint her eyes due to glaring sun; exuding a state of tropical languoue that only Blanco can capture with such effortlessness.