{"status":true,"msg":{"data":{"id":39922,"auction_id":61,"set_id":89,"lot_number":"18","artist":"Jose Tence Ruiz (b. 1956)","title":"Kondessa ng Malawak na Kaibuturan","starting_price":120000,"signed_dated":"signed and dated 2012 (bottom)","medium":"oil on printed linen","size":"95” x 48” (241 cm x 122 cm)","property":null,"coa":null,"provenance":null,"exhibited":null,"literature":"Exhibited: Art Informal, Sagala de Ligalig by Jose Tence Ruiz, Mandaluyong City, Philippines,  11 October – 4 November 2012","write_up":"One of the artists to return the Philippines  to the Venice Biennale after the country’s  51 year hiatus, and one of the most acclaimed contemporary artists in recent history, Jose Tence Ruiz has introduced us to his muses on numerous occasions.  With his Kotillion series, Ruiz has been able to personify various  ideas and themes thru the powerful, often monumental works that feature his elegant women in Victorian garb.\nJose Tence Ruiz has come a long way from his initial use of the ‘woman-as-a-nation-in-excess’ metaphor in 1979.   \n \nIn a little over 35 years’ time, this very theme had evolved into the various renditions of his Kotillion series’ muses; warriors and queens  of the apocalyptic world, enchantresses  and princesses of nature and technology  – allegorical personifications of various  themes, touching on culture, society,  philosophy and emotion.\nThis very work is among that of Ruiz’ stylistic evolutions of his women in their Victorian wear, and is one of the pieces featured in his Sagala de Ligalig exhibit in 2012.  Although possessive of ornamental qualities, what with the flourishes and embellishments on the muse’s gown, there are strong undertones  of more thematic depth present throughout.\nThe work is entitled ‘Kondessa ng Malawak  na Kaibuturan’ — which translates,  ‘Countess of the Great Depths’.  The work  features a wide assortment of marine life  constituting the countess’ garb. Although  laid against a dark backdrop, presumably  pertaining to the recesses of the depths,  there are hints of life all around — even  in the expanse.\nThe monolithic lady stands atop a pile  of diver’s helmets, possibly wares of her  kingdom’s visitors turned victims.  The  powerful juxtaposition of elements adds a peculiarity to the setting, and suggests of allegory — specifically, the sitter’s  ensemble, the bacteria-like creatures, and even the golden ladder that leads up.\nWe are left to surmise the significance and relevance of each element — each magical addition to the canvas, each minute  detail.  The powerful suggestion of conflict and destruction in the relationship between man and nature can be felt, but there  is definitely more to the eloquent icon in the desolate darkness.","lot_group":"PAINTING","lot_details_html":"<p><strong>Jose Tence Ruiz</strong> (b.1956)<br /><em>Kondessa ng Malawak na Kaibuturan</em><br />signed and dated 2012 (bottom)<br />oil on printed linen<br />95&rdquo; x 48&rdquo; (241 cm x 122 cm)</p>","alias":null,"hp":450000,"bp":0.168,"isWithdrawn":0,"accounting_hp":450000,"userBid":null,"isPaid":0,"userId":22,"lot_status":"SOLD","isDone":1,"bid_history_id":null,"reserve_price":null,"hammer_price":525600,"fav":0},"image":[{"id":38407,"img_url":"https://leongallery.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/v2/auction/61/89/lot/18.jpg","isFeatured":1}]},"increment":[450000,500000,550000,600000,650000,700000,750000,800000,900000,1000000,1100000,1200000,1300000,1400000,1500000,1600000,1700000,1800000,1900000,2000000,2200000,2400000,2600000,2800000,3000000,3200000,3400000,3600000,3800000,4000000,4200000,4400000,4600000,4800000,5000000,5500000,6000000,6500000,7000000,7500000,8000000,8500000,9000000,9500000,10000000,11000000,12000000,13000000,14000000,15000000,16000000,17000000,18000000,19000000,20000000],"prev":17,"next":19,"count_bid":0,"bid_history":[],"tokenExpired":1}