Vicente Silva Manansala

This work is in very good overall condition as viewed. There is a very faint abrasion to the purple pigment at hat. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals very few, minor spots of restoration at edges of the work. Framed.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Vicente Manansala’s oeuvre conveys his deep respect and understanding of the vibrant folk culture in the Philippines. Studying abroad in the Ecole des Beaaux Arts allowed him to broaden his artistic horizons, gaining knowledge in Eastern painting styles such as Cubism. He further expanded on this technique and mastered ‘Transparent Cubism’ which gave his works a unique aesthetic of layered and shifted forms. The artist’s nationalistic works are mostly reflective of the post war urban experience and portrayed the familiar Filipino environment.

The present painting Arm Wrestling is Manansala’s observation of the local social life of the Filipinos. The work illustrates two men who are competing against each other in an arm wrestling match. Rather than showing a picturesque or traditional representation of rural existence, Manansala chooses to paint this particular scene. Manansala may be implying that although we share different traditions, ultimately we are all the same at the end of the day.