Lacson-Claparols House
signed and dated 1990 (lower right)
oil on canvas
32" x 48" (81 cm x 121 cm)


PROVENANCELeón Gallery, Spectacular Mid Year Auction, Makati City, 13 June 2015, Lot 88.



In the middle of an expansive hacienda in Talisay City—the Hacienda Matab-ang—lies the Casa Grande, the massive stone house built by the prominent and wealthy Gen. Aniceto Lacson in 1880. It was Gen. Lacson, along with Gen. Juan Araneta, a relative by marriage, who spearheaded the revolution against the Spanish invaders in Negros, leading them to form an independent government dubbed as Republica Cantonal de Negros with Lacson serving as President. Thus, Casa Grande became, albeit for a year and unofficially, the Malacañang of Negros. What makes Casa Grande impressive as far as stone houses–the Bahay na Bato–are concerned is the balcony that runs around its entire second floor which is a rarity; moreover, a lookout tower with commanding views of the cities of Talisay, Silay, and Bacolod is located in rear portion of the property. Also, the intricate wood carving that adorn its interiors are said to have been done by Chinese artisans. In 1978, Lino Brocka shot his film “Gumising Ka Maruja” starring Susan Roces in Casa Grande. With its storied history, it is not surprising then that Lino Severino makes this mansion as the subject in piece from 1990.