Romeo Tabuena Sold at Auction Prices

Painter, b. 1921 - d. 2015

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Dec. 02, 2023
Romeo Tabuena (1921- 2015) - Musicians
Est: ₱300,000 - ₱390,000
Musicians signed and dated 1966 (upper left) oil and sand on Masonite 26 1/4” x 34 1/4” (67 x 92 cm) PROVENANCE: Acquired directly from the artist Doyle New York, Impressionist & Modern/Post-War & Contemporary, May 11, 2022 , Lot 98 Romeo Tabuena was a printmaker and painter who specialized in cubism with heavy inspiration from Chinese vertical format painting. Tabuena was born on August 22, 1921 in Iloilo City, a major port city in the Visayas opened by the Spanish colonial government for international trade in the 1850s. He undertook an architecture degree in Mapua Institute of Technology in Manila then pursued a fine arts degree in the University of the Philippines. He began to gain local notoriety in 1949 after his works were featured in the Philippine Art Gallery however, unsatisfied with his current knowledge, he pursued further studies abroad, moving from the United States, to France, and finally Mexico where he extended his stay for several decades. Similar to his predecessors in the Philippines, he took inspiration on the common surroundings, its people, their way of life, and the likes; however, instead of depicting the Filipino folk, his scope were the locals of Mexico where he resided at. By doing so, he indirectly formed a bridge between the geographically disconnected Philippines and Mexico that share a common colonial past. Nevertheless, he never renounced his Philippine citizenship and continued working with Philippine institutions, as well as created works about scenes in the Philippine countryside throughout the remainder of his life. He died in Guanajuato, Mexico on October 15, 2015.
Leon Gallery
Dec. 02, 2023
Romeo Tabuena (1921- 2015) - Vaquero with Five Carabaos
Est: ₱340,000 - ₱442,000
PROPERTY FROM THE CHARLES C. STEVENSON JR. COLLECTION Vaquero with Five Carabaos signed and dated 1953 (lower right) oil on canvas 46” x 30” (117 cm x 76 cm) EXHIBITED Philippine Art Gallery WRITE UPEven amid the urban jungle of New York City, the Philippine vista of carabaos, amid palm fronds and nipa huts would continue to populate Romeo Vilalva Tabuena’s paintings. In the winter of 1952, its brilliant hot-house colors must have reminded Tabuena of his distant homeland. Charles C. Stevenson Jr. would be a sought-after actor who would guest in such tv series from the 1980s (Alfred Hitchcock Presents and Cheers) through the 2000’s (Glee, Grace and Will); as well as multiple movie appearances. Tabuena would evolve a distinctive style that would make his work both unique and consistently reliable. (LGN)
Leon Gallery
Dec. 02, 2023
Romeo Tabuena (1921- 2015) - Saguingan (Banana Grove)
Est: ₱240,000 - ₱312,000
PROPERTY FROM THE CHARLES C. STEVENSON JR. COLLECTION Saguingan (Banana Grove) signed and dated 1952 (lower right) and titled (verso) oil on canvas 30” x 24” (76 cm x 61 cm) EXHIBITED Philippine Art Gallery WRITE UPIn 1952, Romeo Villalva Tabuena was at the Art Student League in New York City; and in his own hand at the back of the artwork, he would document that it was a product of his evening classes from Byron Browne. Byron Browne (1907-1961) is described by the Smithsonian Art Archives as “Modernist painter and one of the founders of American Abstract Artists, a New York City organization devoted to exhibiting abstract art. Browne specialized in still life in the style of Synthetic Cubism, influenced by his friend Willem de Kooning.” ABOVE: Verso : Byron Browne’s Evening Class Saguingan (Banana Grove). It was an important period for American modern art, and New York in particular. Jackson Pollock had just been declared the ‘Greatest Living Painter’ by Life Magazine in 1948 and the center of the art world had tilted away from Paris as its center of gravity. Charles C. Stevenson Jr. was the son of a silent-movie actor and had become an in-demand character actor himself, appearing in both well-known movies and tv series. Romeo Tabuena was a founding member of the Philippine Neo-Realists, and a pillar of the Philippine Art Gallery. A brilliant banana frond appears as a handprint of this artist. (LGN)
Leon Gallery
Dec. 02, 2023
Romeo Tabuena (1921- 2015) - Woman with Fruits
Est: ₱200,000 - ₱260,000
Woman with Fruits signed and dated 1967 (upper right) acrylic on masonite board 24” x 20” (61 cm x 51 cm) WRITE UPRomeo Tabuena was a printmaker and painter who specialized in neorealism, an art style that merges realism with abstract style liberties. Tabuena was also heavily influenced by cubism and Chinese vertical format painting. He began to gain local notoriety in 1951 after his works were featured in the Philippine Art Gallery however, unsatisfied with his artistic level pursued further studies abroad, moving from the United States, to France, and finally Mexico where he extended his stay for several decades. Similar to his predecessors in the Philippines, he took inspiration on the common surroundings, its people, their way of life, and the like; however, instead of depicting the Filipino folk, his scope were the locals of Mexico where he resided at. By doing so, he indirectly formed a bridge between the geographically disconnected Philippines and Mexico that share a common colonial past. Nevertheless, he never renounced his Philippine citizenship and continued working with Philippine institutions, as well as created works about scenes in the Philippine countryside throughout the remainder of his life. He died in Guanajuato, Mexico on October 15, 2015.
Leon Gallery
Nov. 16, 2023
Painting, Romeo Villalva Tabuena
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
Romeo Villalva Tabuena (Mexican, 1921-1915), Trio Romantico, acrylic on board, signed lower left, board: 18.75" x 38.75"w, overall (with frame): 23"h x 43"w
Clars Auctions
Nov. 10, 2023
Romeo Tabuena, Still Life with Watermelon
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
Romeo Tabuena Still Life with Watermelon 1965 acrylic on board 26 h x 38 w in (66 x 97 cm) Signed and dated to lower left 'Tabuena 1965'. This work will ship from Lambertville, New Jersey.
Rago Arts and Auction Center
Nov. 04, 2023
Romeo Tabuena Painting
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
Work is titled on artist's label, but age has faded the writing.
Palm Beach Modern Auctions
Oct. 30, 2023
Romeo Tabuena (1921-2015) Oil On Canvas
Est: $2,000 - $8,000
DESCRIPTION: Oil on canvas painting by Romeo Tabuena (1921 - 2015) depicting a woman holding a vase of flowers. Signed and dated at top left. Includes certificate of authenticity signed by the artist. CIRCA: 1988 ORIGIN: Mexican DIMENSIONS: (Sight) H: 30" W: 26.75" (Frame) H: 40.5" W: 37" CONDITION: Great condition.
Akiba Galleries
Oct. 21, 2023
Romeo Villalva Tabuena Untitled (Figure with Boars), 1963
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
Romeo Villalva Tabuena (Filipino, 1921-2015) Untitled (Figure with Boars), 1963 Oil on board Signed and dated Tabuena 1963, lower left
Larsen Art Auction
Oct. 11, 2023
Romeo Villalva Tabuena
Est: $1,500 - $2,500
Filipino/American, 1921-2015 Philippine Family, 1958 Signed and dated Tabuena 1958 (lr) Oil on board 11 3/4 x 5 3/4 inches (29.8 x 14.6 cm) (Framed dimensions: 17 1/2 x 11 1/2 x 1 3/8 inches) Light frame rubbing. Rubs and small losses at all four corners. No evidence of restoration under UV inspection.
Doyle New York
Sep. 09, 2023
Romeo Tabuena (1921- 2015) - Country Scene
Est: ₱300,000 - ₱390,000
Romeo Tabuena (1921- 2015) Country Scene signed and dated 1967 (lower left) oil on masonite board 29 1/2" x 22" (73 cm x 56 cm) Romeo Tabuena shared that he has been greatly influenced by Cubism and the horizonless Chinese vertical paintings. Country Scene — with its calligraphic brushstrokes and atmospheric visual quality — shows traces of those influences. The vegetation, huts, and water are delicately depicted; hence, the viewer gets to delight in the dynamism of these gossamer figures with the rural folk: the man on a carabao, the woman washing clothes at the riverbank, and a woman resting a tray on her head. These elements are compressed, yet are not crowded or jumbled. Instead, the barely defined figures evoke calmness and subtle dreamlike quality that is a distinguishable characteristic of most of Tabuanea’s works. Country Scene is another piece exemplifying Tabuena’s ingenuity in rendering local and rural images that reveal the richness and simple beauties of Filipino culture. (Raphaela Cordero)
Leon Gallery
Sep. 09, 2023
Romeo Tabuena (1921- 2015) - Villagers
Est: ₱400,000 - ₱520,000
Romeo Tabuena (1921- 2015) Villagers signed and dated 1968 (lower left) acrylic on board 30" x 22" (76 cm x 56 cm) Romeo Tabuena moved to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico in 1955, and there he would paint for decades to come. Although he had the opportunity to study abroad and showcase his talent, as well as garner acclaim and accolades, the artist lived a humble and simple life in the foreign land. His wife, Nina, a Swiss woman who also studied art, learned about Tabuena, her future husband, through a magazine. His works in Mexico exhibit colors from the entire spectrum and often feature cultural themes. In this 1968 acrylic painting, Tabuena was able to imbue a certain lyrical and literary beauty into the simple folk life. Although the watercolor landscapes are his most sought-after works, the lot at hand evokes the same artistry that the Filipino artist is celebrated for. Three years prior to the creation of this untitled piece, in 1965, Tabuena attended the eighth Biennial in Sao Paulo, Brazil, as the official representative of the Philippines. (Isabella Romarate)
Leon Gallery
Sep. 09, 2023
Romeo Tabuena (1921 - 2015) - Madonna
Est: ₱300,000 - ₱390,000
Romeo Tabuena (1921 - 2015) Madonna signed and dated 1963 (upper right) egg tempera on board 30" x 24 1/2" (76 cm x 62 cm) In this 1963 painting from Romeo Tabuena’s “Mexican Period,” the celebrated artist imbibes a poignant interpretation of the popular Christian theme, Madonna and Child. Growing up in a predominantly Catholic country and moving in the mid-1950s to San Miguel de Allende in Mexico, where Catholicism is the dominant faith, it is no wonder that Tabuena found inspiration in the image of the Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus. Tabuena conveys a humanizing aspect to the sacred by powerfully depicting and signifying the masses’ toiling through his expressionist whim. Aside from his colorful and prismatic paintings characteristic of his “Mexican Period,” Tabuena also delved into expressionism with his darkly toned works, suggesting his affinity for the common folk’s struggles. In this particular work, Tabuena depicts the mother and child as somber figures, with their blank eyes symbolizing a void of nothingness and their blank facial expressions strained and worn out by the seemingly endless cycle of subjugation and injustice. Tabuena, who lived in two countries with agonizing histories of colonial and systemic oppression, draws inspiration from the Black Madonna. This venerated religious icon has become a symbol of unity and struggle of black, indigenous, and other people of color against their historical and systemic oppression. By interweaving the sacred and the profane, Tabuena cultivates and advances the messianic role of the masses in their emancipation from historical oppression. (Adrian Maranan)
Leon Gallery
Sep. 09, 2023
Romeo Tabuena (1921 - 2015) - Fruit Vendor
Est: ₱400,000 - ₱520,000
Romeo Tabuena (1921 - 2015) Fruit Vendor signed and dated 1965 (lower right) acrylic on canvas 37 1/2" x 28 1/2" (95 cm x 72 cm) The art of Romeo Tabuena is admired for its combination of Filipino and Mexican cultural themes. Aside from countryside sceneries, his paintings are also inhabited by native plants, traditional houses, and folk figures. For the lot at hand, Fruit Vendor, this acrylic piece exhibits his creative and unique experimentation with cubist elements. His prismatic deconstruction and rendition of elements were able to fluently translate the reality of his subjects into the brilliant planar figures that have astounded his audiences time and again. Tabuena had the opportunity to study abroad and showcase his talent, as well as garner acclaim and accolades. In 1955, he moved to San Miguel de Allende in Mexico, where he would paint for decades to come. Yet, despite residing far from his homeland, his art remained in touch with his Filipino roots. His fondness for the cultural idylls of the Philippines and Mexico has allowed him to devise a distinctive quality to his oeuvres. The works he produced while in Mexico exhibit colors from the entire spectrum and feature subjects such as villagers and street vendors. The cubist maestro’s use of such closeto-home themes has evolved over the years, and despite the many advancements in his style, he has retained that unmistakable Tabuena flair. (Isabella Romarate)
Leon Gallery
Aug. 08, 2023
Romeo V. Tabuena (Filipino, 1921-2015) Still Life Oil On Canvas
Est: $500 - $5,000
DESCRIPTION: Oil on canvas painting by Romeo V. Tabuena depicting an abstract rendering of a still life of fruit, guitar, vase, and bird cage. Mounted in a green wooden frame. Signed at lower right and dated 1989. Provenance: Private estate in Mexico City. CIRCA: 1989 ORIGIN: The Philippines DIMENSIONS: (With Frame) H: 48" W: 3" L: 54.25" (Without Frame) H: 36.25" W: 1.5" L: 43.25" - CONDITION: Great condition. See lot description for details on item condition. More detailed condition requests can be obtained upon sms or email.
Akiba Galleries
Jul. 29, 2023
Romeo Tabuena (1921- 2015)
Est: ₱100,000 - ₱130,000
Portrait of a Man signed (lower right) oil on canvas 12 3/4” x 11 1/2” (32 cm x 29 cm)
Leon Gallery
Jul. 29, 2023
Romeo Tabuena (1921- 2015)
Est: ₱150,000 - ₱195,000
Untitled signed (lower left) watercolor on paper 15 1/4” x 18 1/4” (38 cm x 46 cm)
Leon Gallery
Jul. 29, 2023
Romeo Tabuena (1921 - 2015)
Est: ₱30,000 - ₱39,000
Sweethearts (Cover Design) signed (lower right) mixed media on paper 14” x 8 1/4” (36 cm x 20 cm)
Leon Gallery
Jul. 25, 2023
ROMEO V. TABUENA (1921-2015) Untitled (Marketplace)1985oil on canvas, signed and dated 'TABUENA 1985' upper left31 1/2 x 39 1/4in (80 x 99.7cm)
Est: $10,000 - $15,000
ROMEO V. TABUENA (1921-2015) Untitled (Marketplace) 1985 oil on canvas, signed and dated 'TABUENA 1985' upper left 31 1/2 x 39 1/4in (80 x 99.7cm) For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website
Bonhams
Jul. 11, 2023
Romeo Tabuena (Filipino 1921 - 2015) oil and acrylic on canvas, Firewood Gatherers-66. Signed and dated 1966 (upper left). Painting size 12 x 16 inches (30 cm x 41 cm) Provenance: Leon Gallery Manila Philippines- Private Collection, Oregon, USA
Est: $2,000 - $4,000
Romeo Tabuena (Filipino 1921 - 2015) oil and acrylic on canvas, Firewood Gatherers-66. Signed and dated 1966 (upper left). Painting size 12 x 16 inches (30 cm x 41 cm) Provenance: Leon Gallery Manila Philippines- Private Collection, Oregon, USA
Bill Hood & Sons Arts & Antiques Auctions
Jun. 17, 2023
Romeo Tabuena (1921 - 2015)
Est: ₱300,000 - ₱390,000
Barrio Scene signed and dated 1960 (lower right) oil on canvas 20" x 26" (51 cm x 66 cm) PROVENANCE Private Collection, USA As a Filipino artist who resided in Mexico, the oeuvres of Romeo Tabuena in oils, acrylics, and watercolors exhibit a combination of Filipino and Mexican cultural themes. Yet, at a glance, one would agree that he was right when he confessed to have also been influenced by Chinese vertical paintings and Cubism. He acquired unique qualities such as calligraphic brushstrokes and a color choice which is often soft pastels and pleasing hues. In this 1960 painting, Tabuena was able to imbue a certain lyrical and literary beauty into the simple folk life. His countryside sceneries are often inhabited by native plants, traditional houses, and folk figures. The attenuated figures spread out in large tonal areas, evoking an early morning fog, all the more elevates the mundane into a transcendental sublime. Although the watercolor landscapes are his most sought-after works, the lot at hand evokes the same artistry that Tabuena is celebrated for. Five years prior to the date of this oil piece, in 1955, Tabuena moved to San Miguel de Allende in Mexico, where he would paint for decades to come. Then five years after its creation, in 1965, he attended the eighth Biennial in Sao Paulo, Brazil, as the official representative of the Philippines. (P.I.R.)
Leon Gallery
Jun. 17, 2023
Romeo Tabuena (1921 - 2015)
Est: ₱200,000 - ₱260,000
Women of the Market signed and dated 1961 (lower right) oil on wood 23" x 35" (58 cm x 89 cm) PROVENANCE The Vincent Price Collection Tabuena's early years were shaped by a rich cultural environment infused with traditional Filipino customs and folklore. His exposure to the vibrant local festivals, the natural beauty of the Philippines, and the everyday lives of its people formed the foundation of his artistic sensibilities. His upbringing in Iloilo, known for its sugarcane plantations and rural landscapes, instilled in him a deep connection to nature and the realities of rural life, which would later become prominent themes in his art. But Tabuena’s art would eventually bloom even further when, in 1955, the artist would further his studies in art at the Institute Allende and would decide to permanently settle in San Miguel de Allende. During this period, Tabuena’s art would occupy a unique place of being informed not only by two cultures, but by two cultures that despite the distance share a history of being both former colonies of Spain. Thus, things such as religion, societal practices, and even language are considered to be commonalities between the two nations. Which is why it is no surprise that Tabuena’s depiction of Mexican life and culture seems so at home with the distinctly Filipino roots of his technique. (J.D.)
Leon Gallery
Jun. 17, 2023
Romeo Tabuena (1921 - 2015)
Est: ₱300,000 - ₱390,000
Boy with Watermelon signed and dated 1980 (upper right) acrylic on canvas 30” x 26 3/4” (76 cm x 68 cm) EXHIBITED: Charlie's Art Gallery, Romeo Tabuena: The Collection, Bacolod City, September 21 - October 21, 2022 The art of Romeo Tabuena is admired for its combination of Filipino and Mexican cultural themes. Aside from countryside sceneries, his paintings are also inhabited by native plants, traditional houses, and folk figures. For the lot at hand, Boy with Watermelon, this acrylic piece exhibits his creative and unique experimentation with cubist elements. His prismatic deconstruction and rendition of elements were able to fluently translate the reality of his subjects into the brilliant planar figures that have astounded his audiences time and again. In 1955, Tabuena moved to San Miguel de Allende in Mexico, where he would paint for decades to come. Yet, despite residing far from his homeland, his art remained in touch with his Filipino roots. His fondness for the cultural idylls of the Philippines and Mexico has allowed him to devise a distinctive quality to his oeuvres. The cubist maestro’s use of such close-to-home themes has evolved over the years, and despite the many advancements in his style, he has retained that unmistakable Tabuena flair. He lived a humble and simple life in the foreign land, and in there he met his wife, Nina, who also studied art and learned about her future husband through a magazine. (P.I.R.)
Leon Gallery
Jun. 17, 2023
Romeo Tabuena (1921- 2015)
Est: ₱200,000 - ₱260,000
Mother and child signed and dated 1960 (lower left) oil on canvas 27" x 16" (69 cm x 41 cm) PROVENANCE: Private Collection, USA The years immediately after the Second World War were marked by the rise of the Neo-Realists, who took off the modernist movement started by Victorio Edades to unprecedented heights. The most prominent among them was Romeo Tabuena. Spurred by the artistic developments in the local art scene and, more so, in the larger international arena, Tabuena left the Philippines in 1952, living first in California before moving to New York. After a brief reunion with PAG founder Lyd Arguilla and a European tour in 1954, Tabuena would eventually settle in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, in 1955, taking up residence and accepting a scholarship to pursue further studies. Tabuena would permanently call Mexico his home while retaining his Philippine citizenship. In Mexico, Tabuena developed a colorful and prismatic style of painting featuring the common folk, such as candle vendors and street sweepers. Tabuena also unleashed his Expressionist powers with his darkly toned compositions, lending an overall heavy atmosphere that implies the socio-economic disposition of the ordinary people. Such is the case with this work titled Mother and Child. The slender, elongated figures represent the influence of Chinese scroll painting in Tabuena’s style, which had been evident since the earlier phase of his painting career. In Tabuena’s interpretation of the popular subject, the figures’ facial expressions denote anguish and suffering; their frail physical structures imply deprivation. Tabuena’s expressionist distortion of the mother and child, juxtaposed with a monochromatic yet striking background powerfully highlights the somber subjects in their penurious reality, leaving an unequivocal depiction of the distress of the masses. (A.M.)
Leon Gallery