Man with Roosters (Sabong) / The Cockfighter
Painting on canvas or board • Vicente Manansala (Manner of/After). The signature in the lower right resembles 'Manansala'.
Style & Movement
Modernism, specifically 'Transparent Cubism', which was influential in the Philippines mid-20th century.
Medium & Technique
Oil or heavy acrylic painting; techniques include impasto, palette knife application, and geometric abstraction of form.
Creation Period
Circa 1960s – 1970s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 36 inches (60 x 90 cm); vertical portrait orientation.
Subject Description
A seated male figure wearing a traditional hat, flanked by two roosters. The composition reflects the Filipino cultural theme of 'Sabong' (cockfighting). The background and figures are broken into angular, prismatic planes.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good. There is visible wear along the edges, some surface scuffing, and potential age-related yellowing of the varnish.
Estimated Market Value
If authenticated as an original: $50,000 - $150,000. If a period student work/tribute: $500 - $1,500.
Auction Estimate
$800 - $1,200 (without formal authentication); significantly higher if verified by a reputable Filipino art expert.
Provenance History
Likely acquired from a secondary market or estate; the setting suggests a resale or thrift environment. No formal gallery labels are visible on the front.
Art Historical Significance
The work represents the significant influence of the 'Thirteen Moderns' and Neo-Realism in Southeast Asian art, emphasizing local identity through a Cubist lens.
Notable Features
Features a signature consistent with Philippine National Artist Vicente Manansala's script. The use of bold orange and blue contrasts is typical of high-period Philippine Modernism.
Condition Issues
Frame abrasions, edge chipping, surface grime, and minor paint loss near the lower left corner and top right edge.
Conservation Recommendations
Surface cleaning by a professional conservator, stabilization of paint layers, and re-framing with acid-free materials and UV-protective glazing.