This is the analysis of the photo of Bill Obenchain father and mother by Martino Abellana, a well-known Cebuano painter taken or made in 1945 in Carcar, Cebu, Philippines. William (Bill) is my neighbor here at THD. The short biographies of Bill and his Father are attached below.
Analysis of the Artwork
1. Subject:
The painting depicts a Western man, likely a military officer, suggested by his uniform (note the epaulettes and military-style shirt).
His expression is calm, dignified, and reflective, possibly indicating a formal portrait commissioned during or after World War II.
2. Style and Technique:
Medium: Oil on canvas.
Technique: Realist style with soft, blended brushwork. Abellana was classically trained and influenced by the conservative realism taught at UP School of Fine Arts and his mentor, Fernando Amorsolo.
Lighting: Subtle chiaroscuro (light/dark contrast) to emphasize the facial structure and depth, a signature of classical portraiture.
Palette: Earth tones and subdued colors, creating a serious and respectful mood.
3. Historical Context:
1945 was the final year of WWII. The presence of an American or Allied officer in Carcar, Cebu, reflects the re-establishment of U.S. military presence after the Japanese occupation.
The portrait may have been commissioned by or for an American serviceman stationed in the Philippines at the end of the war — a gesture of appreciation, commemoration, or personal memento.
4. Signature:
The painting is signed in the upper right (viewer's perspective), reading:
This direct inscription anchors the piece both geographically and historically. Carcar was Martino Abellana’s hometown and a cultural center in southern Cebu.
Art Historical Value:
This work could be of historical and cultural significance, especially if:
The subject’s identity is known (e.g., a notable figure in the liberation of Cebu).
It is confirmed to be by Martino Abellana, as his wartime and immediate postwar works are relatively rare and valued in Philippine art history.
Who is Martino Abellana?
Martino Abellana (1914–1986) was a prominent Filipino painter, often referred to as "The Dean of Cebuano Painters." He was known for his masterful command of realism and portraiture, with a strong foundation in classical techniques.
Background:
Born in Carcar, Cebu, into an artistic family—his father, Teofilo Abellana, was also a noted sculptor and painter.
Studied at the University of the Philippines School of Fine Arts, where he was mentored by Fernando Amorsolo, the Philippines’ first National Artist.
Returned to Cebu after his studies and became a major force in promoting fine arts in the Visayas region.
Artistic Style:
Abellana's works are characterized by:
Realist and impressionist techniques
Strong draftsmanship
Sensitive portrayal of human figures
Use of warm light and shadow reminiscent of Amorsolo
He painted portraits, landscapes, and genre scenes, often capturing the dignity of everyday Filipino life and the natural beauty of Cebu.
Appraisal Considerations:
If your painting is authentically by Martino Abellana, especially dated 1945, it could have significant value, especially among collectors of:
Philippine postwar art
WWII-era memorabilia
Cebuano or regional fine art
Factors Affecting Value:
Authenticity:
Signature and inscription are present ("Abellana Carcar 1945"), which is a good start.
A professional appraiser can verify brushwork, materials, and style consistency with known works.
Condition:
From the photo, the painting appears generally well-preserved with some expected age wear.
Cleanliness, canvas stability, and absence of overpainting or major damage enhance value.
Provenance:
Documentation of the painting's history—who commissioned it, how it was preserved, and past ownership—adds value.
If the subject is a known historical figure (e.g., U.S. officer in WWII Philippines), that adds historical significance.
Market Trends:
Abellana’s works are not frequently auctioned internationally, but in the Philippine art market, his paintings can command solid prices.
As of the last known valuations:
Small oil portraits: ₱150,000–₱400,000 (~$2,500–$7,000)
Larger or historically significant pieces: Much higher
Recommended Next Steps:
Get a professional appraisal from a recognized art appraiser or auction house in the Philippines (like Leon Gallery, Salcedo Auctions, or Galleria Duemila).
Conservation assessment if you plan to restore or preserve it.
Research the subject—any documentation or family history connected to the sitter could boost its value and historical interest.
Martino Abellana (1914–1988), known as "Noy Tinong", was a renowned Cebuano painter from Carcar. Dubbed "The Dean of Cebuano Painters", he was born to an artistic family. His main influence was his father, who was a school principal and a sculptor. Martino, along with his four brothers, including renowned sculptor and composer Dr. Ramon Abellana, were exposed to art early, and they helped their father with his sculptures.
Martino Abellana (1914-1986) is a central figure in the development of most Cebuano artists. Born to an artistic family, he was exposed to art early. His father, Teofilo, a school principal and assiduous reader, was the sculptor of Carcar, and his elder brother, Ramon a dentist by profession, is also a sculptor as well as a musician and composer of original pieces. Even his grandfather, Saloy Abellana, was an apprentice to Isabelo Tampingco in Manila.
An all-around artist, Martino was a composer, painter, sculptor, embroiderer of liturgical vestments and an expert in arnis de mano. A painting of his was brought to the Manila Carnival to represent Cebu.
Career
Martino pursued a career in the arts, finishing his formal art education at the School of Fine Arts of the University of the Philippines Manila. Among his teachers were the famous masters Fernando Amorsolo and Guillermo Tolentino. As an undergraduate, he helped his brother Ramon conceptualized the famous Carcar landmark, "Rotunda," by making sketches.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martino_Abellana
other martino abellana paintings
This is a beautiful and skillful oil painting that appears to be a portrait of a young woman, signed by Martino Abellana, a respected Filipino painter from Carcar, Cebu, Philippines. She was the mother of Bill Obenchain, my neighbor here at THD.
Here’s a closer analysis of the painting:
🎨 Visual Analysis
1. Subject & Expression:
The young woman in the painting exudes a calm, introspective mood. Her gaze is slightly off to the side, not directed at the viewer, which adds a thoughtful, contemplative atmosphere.
Her expression is serene yet distant—evocative of inner thought or quiet resilience.
2. Composition & Technique:
Abellana used classical portraiture techniques: subtle chiaroscuro (light and shadow) to model the face, creating a three-dimensional effect.
The brushwork is smooth and refined, particularly in the rendering of the facial features and hair, demonstrating Abellana’s academic training and attention to detail.
3. Color & Texture:
The color palette is warm, muted, and naturalistic. The soft brown background contrasts gently with the subject's fair skin and white blouse, drawing attention to her face.
The texture of the fabric is convincingly captured, especially the buttons and seams on the blouse, showing his mastery in realism.
4. Signature:
Bottom right, it is signed:
"P.I." stands for "Philippine Islands," which was a common designation before full Philippine independence in 1946 but was still sometimes used a couple of years after.
The date 1948 helps place this in the early post-war period, a time of national rebuilding and cultural revival in the Philippines.
🧑🎨 About Martino Abellana (1914–1988)
Often called “The Dean of Cebuano Painters”, Abellana was known for his strong academic training and ability to capture human emotion and realism.
He studied at the School of Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines and was influenced by classical Western traditions but remained deeply rooted in Filipino themes.
His work often reflected a deep sensitivity to his subjects, whether portraits, landscapes, or still life.
🖼️ Cultural and Historical Context
A portrait like this from 1948 likely commemorated a family member or a loved one, perhaps marking a significant life event (graduation, engagement, etc.).
This type of commission was typical in middle- to upper-class Filipino families who valued European-style realism and formal portraiture.
The clothing suggests a post-WWII sensibility—neat, utilitarian, yet elegant.
💬 Final Thoughts
This painting is not only a fine example of Martino Abellana’s technical prowess but also a meaningful artifact of Filipino cultural and family history. If this is a family heirloom, it is a truly valuable piece—both sentimentally and artistically.
Here's a short biography of Bill's Father. Knowing the provenance of the painting will add a lot of value of the above painting.
Richard Forrest Obenchain (1916-1990)
Born 1916 Logansport, Indiana
B.S. 1938 Purdue University, Civil Engineering
During WW II he worked as a civilian naval architect in Philadelphia and then the Brooklyn Navy yards mostly designing landing craft.
I am not sure when he entered the Navy, probably 1943 or 1944. He worked as an undersea diver raising sunken ships to clear harbors. He was in the Battle for Leyte Gulf. His ship was sunk, he was rescued, and then the ship that rescued him was sunk.
Sometime during his time in the Philippines he commissioned the two portraits that you saw. His was painted from life and my mother’s, Lorraine Reder Obenchain, from a photograph. At that time he was a 1st Lieutenant.
After the war, he stayed in the Naval Reserve for a number of years rising to the rank of Lt, Commander. As a civilian he was a design and construction engineer working in the steel industry. He started his own engineering firm which he managed for over 20 years. He was a serious amatuer painter.
Personal Note: Because Richard Oberchain was also a painter, he must have befriended the Artistic Abellana Family of Carcar, Cebu. Richard Painting was done in person, but the painting of his wife is from a photograph according to Bill.
For Details visit: https://pia.gov.ph/cebu-steps-up-call-to-name-martino-abellana-as-national-artist/#:~:text=Abellana%20was%20born%20from%20an,town%20and%20in%20Cebu%20City.
Finally, here's a short Bio of William ( Bill) A. Obenchain, my neighbor here at the Fairmont Building. I was Bill's greeter when he moved here last March. Again, Welcome!
Born: 1943 Philadelphia Pennsylvania
USMC, Sgt, 1966 - 1970
B.S. 1975 University of Pittsburgh, Chemistry
M.S. 1985 University of Pittsburgh, Metallurgical Engineering
Worked approx. 40 years for the steel (primarily), foundry, and copper industries in plant design, pollution control, research and development, new technology implementation, and sales. Retired 2008. Married 52 years to Barbara Popeck Obenchain.
Son: Matthew, Mechanical Engineer, living in Baltimore Maryland.
Daughter, Victoria, teaching in Moraga California and living in Walnut Creek.
Interests: History, Art, foreign travel, college football.
No comments:
Post a Comment