Stunning Array of Religious Display at Talleres de Maximo Vicente Exhibit at Rustan’s Makati

Talleres de Maximo Vicente’s 100 known works is currently on exhibit at 5th level of Rustan’s Makati.

The exhibit was promoted several weeks even prior to the said opening on April 11, 2019.

The opening was delayed for a few days because some of the items were not curated, hence the opening of the exhibit was moved from April 22, 2019 to May 6, 2019.

This attracted some high profile collectors of religious works, some had already made reservations of the items even before the opening date.

sacred heart of jesus

Despite the slight movement of the exhibition date. There is no stopping religious Catholic collectors and santo experts in visiting the exhibit.

Exhibit and SALE

The exhibit was first posted in several religious groups and FB pages. This is the biggest exhibit-sale of Maximo Vicente sculptures in the country in recent years.

Most of the icons were already sold, save for the life-size Our Lady of the Assumption, the last original work of Maestro Maximo Vicente, who died in 1964, and a few smaller pieces. All the sculptures are between 50 to 70 years old.

Maximo Vicente Works

Christ the King wood sculpture ( standing holding globe)

Christ the King

Maximo Vicente was born to Antonina Vicente, and a Spaniard, in Malabon in 1885. The young Maximo stayed with an uncle who worked as forest ranger. It was during this time that he picked up woodcarving as a hobby.

Sacred Heart of Jesus

Sacred Heart of Jesus statues as wall decor

Our Lady of Fatima

Risen Christ

Some accounts say he was self-taught, with no formal training in the craft. A bio printout Francisco provided us, however, says Vicente graduated from the “UP School of Fine Arts” in 1909 (though the University of the Philippines was founded only a year before, in 1908).

Saint Anthony of Padua

He set up his workshop in 1908, first on Calle Hidalgo in Quiapo, with his half-brothers.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Statues, wall decors made at the Talleres de Maximo Vicente live on in the homes of wealthy private collectors, as well as big churches, like San Beda Mendiola and San Beda Alabang, Our Lady of Mount Carmel in New Manila, Assumption Convent in San Lorenzo and St. Alphonsus de Liguori in Magallanes.

 Pope Pius X bust

A Sto. Niño made by the taller was also given to Pope John Paul II, which was later installed at the Pontifico Collegio Filippino in Rome.

Mater Dolorosa bust

Holy family

Our Lady of Cararin or Santa Maria Kamalen

An Our Lady of the Barangay was also sent to Rome. Other notable restoration works done by Mr. Maximo Vicente includes Santa Marian Kamalen also known as Our Lady of Camarin in 1948. There is a small icon of this image at the exhibit area.

Saint Jude Thaddeus

last supper wood carving

Stanislaus Kostka

Invited Guests

Patrons like Former first lady Imelda Marcos and philanthropist Danny Dolor, of the Talleres de Maximo Vicente, were invited to cut the ceremonial ribbon, with Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco Sr. and his daughter Nedy. Tantoco’s other daughters, Marilen Tantoco and Maritess Enriquez, were also present during the opening.

 

Our Lady of the Assumption made from hardwood narra

The earthquake which struck in Luzon late afternoon last monday did not deter guests in attending the exhibit.Do not forget to visit the exhibit.