Saeta 44
Text
Lines of white and yellow paint splay out in numerous directions here, giving the impression of rapid movement. Fernando Zóbel initially struggled to create such thin, controlled lines with oil paint. He arrived at the solution of using a surgical syringe with the needle removed after seeing a cook write “Happy Birthday” with icing on a cake. While this work may appear spontaneous, Zóbel often made several preparatory studies for his paintings. This work is part of Zóbel’s renowned Saeta series, inspired by the forms of scaffolding. Zóbel often encountered these structures while working on construction sites as a part of his family property business in Manila, Philippines.
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Creator
Fernando Zóbel (1931–2005)
Date
1957
Rights
Image courtesy of National Heritage Board, Singapore.
Copyright disclaimer: The copyright of the artworks belongs to the artists or their authorised representatives and may not be reproduced for any purpose whatsoever without the prior written permission of National Gallery Singapore and/or the copyright owners. Please submit your request to National Gallery Singapore via https://collections.nationalgallery.sg/#/termCondition if you’d like to request permission to reproduce the images.
Copyright disclaimer: The copyright of the artworks belongs to the artists or their authorised representatives and may not be reproduced for any purpose whatsoever without the prior written permission of National Gallery Singapore and/or the copyright owners. Please submit your request to National Gallery Singapore via https://collections.nationalgallery.sg/#/termCondition if you’d like to request permission to reproduce the images.
Identifier
2017-00953
Origin
Philippines
Materials
Oil on canvas
Physical Dimensions
61.3 x 91.5 cm
Acknowledgements
Collection of National Gallery Singapore. This acquisition was made possible through the generous support of Lam Soon Cannery Pte. Ltd.
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Fernando Zóbel (1931–2005), “Saeta 44,” Mapping Philippine Material Culture, accessed April 26, 2024, https://philippinestudies.uk/mapping/items/show/29121.
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