The Cockfight (Sabong)
Print (likely an offset lithograph or fine art print) on paper • Vicente Manansala (Philippine, 1910–1981)
Style & Movement
Transparent Cubism / Philippine Modernism
Medium & Technique
Originally executed in watercolor and ink; this version appears to be a color print Reproducing the delicate washes and fine outlines of the original.
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1950s-1960s)
Dimensions & Format
Landscape format; estimated image size 12 x 18 inches, framed to approx 20 x 26 inches.
Subject Description
A dense crowd of spectators surrounds a circular cockfighting pit (sabungan). Two roosters are mid-combat in the center. The composition is packed with various social figures, capturing the intense energy, anticipation, and cultural atmosphere of a quintessential Filipino pastime. The style utilizes shifting planes and overlapping figures to create depth.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good (General vintage condition with minor signs of age).
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $800 (Note: Value depends significantly on whether it is a hand-signed limited edition or a mass-market reproduction).
Auction Estimate
$200 - $500
Provenance History
Likely acquired from a commercial gallery or private collection in the Philippines or US; Manansala's prints were popular mid-century exports for Filipino diaspora and collectors of Asian modernism.
Art Historical Significance
Manansala is a National Artist of the Philippines known for 'Transparent Cubism.' This work is a premier example of his ability to blend European modernism with local genre scenes, elevating everyday Filipino life into a high-art context. He was a central figure in the 'Thirteen Moderns' who revolted against the classical romanticism of Amorsolo.
Notable Features
Features the signature crowded 'horror vacui' composition typical of Manansala’s genre works. The circular pit acts as a focal point that draws the viewer into the psychological tension of the gambling spectators.
Condition Issues
Visible slight yellowing (toning) of the paper consistent with age; possible minor mat burn from the acidic board used in older framing; slight fading due to UV exposure.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend reframing with acid-free archival matting and UV-protective museum glass to prevent further yellowing and color loss. Keep out of direct sunlight.