Look Back in Wonder.... The Paterno Collection was one of the best assemblages of antique ivory images in pre-war Philippines. The founder of the family is an old Chinese gentleman by the name of Ming Mong Lo who changed the name to Agustin Paterno. By the 1850s, the family was headed by Capitan Maximino “Memo” Molo Agustin Paterno who had 13 children by his wife, Carmen de Vera Ignacio of Manila. Among the most notable of their children are Pedro (the putative Prince of Luzon), Dolores (composer of the noted song, Sampaguita) and Paz (the noted artist). Most of the ivory pieces descended to Paz and her half sister Adelaida. And through them, by descent, to their nephew, Maximo Paterno, heir to the great Paterno fortune. Maximo was able to keep his familys collection of ivory images intact until the first half of the 20th century. At which point they were either dispersed among various family members or sold. The three pieces noted below are some that survive into the 20th century and was included in the book, The Art of the Philippines, by Winfield Scott Smith in 1958. As to their current whereabouts, I do not know and cannot guess although I have a sneaking suspicion I have seen the San Antonio -- intact and still beautiful -- somewhere before. I have to think really hard to remember..... _______________________________________ Nuestra Sra. del Rosario 19th Century Maybe attributed to Leoncio Asuncion but without certainty Ivory head and hands on both the Virgin and the Christ Child. Wig of human hair. The Virgin and Child stand on an elaborate gilded peana or stand in the style of Leoncio. Provenance: Collection of Adelaida Paterno San Jose with the Christ Child 19th Century Maybe attributed to Leoncio but without certainty. The images of St. Joseph and the Chirst child have ivory heads, hands and maybe (?) feet. Wig of human hair. The image of St. Joseph stands on an elaborate gilded peana or pedestal in the style of Leoncio. Provenance: Collection of Adelaida Paterno San Antionio de Padua 19th Century Maybe attributed to Leoncio but without certainty. The images of St. Anthony and the Chirst child have ivory heads, hands and maybe (?) feet. Wig of human hair. The hair on the San Antonio is particularly distinctive. The image of St. Anthony stands on an elaborate gilded peana or pedestal in the style of Leoncio. Provenance: Collection of Adelaida Paterno
Posted on: Sat, 16 Aug 2014 23:42:36 +0000
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