安妮塔·馬賽賽·何

私人收藏，美國

This work is in good overall condition as viewed. There is evidence of light wear to the edges of the work due to abrasions with the frame, but this does not affect the overall image. There are minor signs of discoloration noticeably on the lighter parts of the work, but this is due to age and does not distract from the painting as a whole. The paint layers are intact and the colors are bright. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals no sign of restoration.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
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Hailed as one of the leading pioneers in the Philippines modern art movement, Anita Magsaysay-Ho was one of the most important female painters in the Filipino history of art. Her oeuvre is well-known for glorifying femalehood, which epitomizes the Filipina feministic spirit. As a female artist, Magsaysay-Ho has portrayed the essence of women with a particular personal touch that distinct her paintings among the other figural paintings, marking her significance as an artist with a kindred spirit.

Fruit Vendors is a painting that stands out among the works created by Magsaysay-Ho during the period of the 60s. Featuring three ordinary Filipino women selling fruits, the cubist flavour, strong contrast between light and shadows, vivid colours and swift brushstrokes all marked a usual piece produced by Magsaysay-Ho in the 1960s. Yet, the present painting grasps the audience’s attention by adding a sense of individuality to the figures and by engaging us with them. Rather than using a voyeuristic perspective like most of her other paintings, two figures in this piece are frontally facing the audiences, evoking a will of direct interaction with the viewers. Despite the angularity of lines and stylized figure forms, Magsaysay-Ho had skillfully deployed a warmer tonal palette and added in a subtle ray of light in the middle of the painting, arousing a more symphonious and harmonious vibe.

Once again using her favourite subject matter, Fruit Vendors demonstrated how Magsaysay-Ho had successfully encapsulated the light-hearted vitality of Filipino women by placing them in the midst of daily activities. Created in the period after Philippines’ survival of the Spanish colonization followed by the Japanese occupation, the historical backdrop during that particular period has added an extra layer onto the artist’s preferred motif. These paintings of genre scenes could thus be seen as a further applaud for the endurance of women, celebrating their strength and femininity.