Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist by Mrs. Floy Aguenza

ABOUT THE WORK

Since Vicente Manansala was a seasoned draftsman, he excellently captures the nude as an embodiment of classical beauty and ideal form. Brilliantly capturing natural light, the artist depicts the charming allure of the nude, efficiently displaying his dexterity in handling the watercolor. As noted by Rodolfo Paras-Perez, “for many artists like Manansala, who have been trained in the classical tradition, drawing the human form is still the peak to be scald, the Mount Everest that unlocks the vistas of fine painting.” Even in watercolor, painting the nude in its classical form upholds Manansala’s place in the pantheon of old masters.