Isabelo L. Tampinco, “ Woman with a Dove.”

“ Woman with a Dove.”

Isabelo L. Tampinco [ 1850 – 1933 ]

cast marble.

64cm high x 18cm wide x 17cm deep.

Signed “ ILT” 1886.

This beautiful sculpture by Tampinco follows in the French tradition of sculpting girls holding a dove. It certainly is an interesting rendition of this subject.

In the French sculpture from the 18^th century, the woman is only wearing a skirt but in Tampinco's version she is fully clothed, though her clothing at the front is loose and exposing her undergarments. For Tampinco's time it would have been very provocative and raised some eyebrows among the establishment.

Tampincos version has the girl holding the large dove out in front of her, in both hands.

Her eyes are closed as if in ecstasy holding the large bird.

She has a bonnet on her head covering her wavy hair.

The clothing she is wearing is a long skirt and an off the shoulder top, the front of the top falls open exposing her undergarments and the top is caught around the waist and the skirt is split down the front, both bare feet are exposed.

The bottom edge of the skirt is frilled and is heavily draped, it is cut high at the front and falls long at the back.

Everything about this pose and the clothing is very provocative from the high cut front of the skirt to the off the shoulder top fallen open at the front.

From the back view you the ribbon tied onto the bonnet which then falls down her back with her wavy hair.

Her shoulders and upper back is bare and her top can be seen falling over the skirt.

She has her right foot resting on the top of the rock wall and her left foot is on the stony ground.

It is signed on the back, right side, “ILT” and on the left side, “1886”.

This is a very imposing piece and would make a wonderful addition to any collection.

Written by, Mark E Shellshear.
                    Art consultant.

Isabelo L Tampinco “Venus reclining on a sea monster with Pluto.”

“Venus reclining on a sea monster with Pluto.”

By Isabelo L Tampinco [ 1850 – 1933]

cold cast marble.

29cm x 54cm x 6cm deep.

Signed.. ILT.

“Venus became a popular subject of painting and sculpture during the Renaissance period in Europe. As a "classical" figure for whom nudity was her natural state, it was socially acceptable to depict her unclothed. As the goddess of sexuality, a degree of erotic beauty in her presentation was justified, which appealed to many artists and their patrons.” From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Tampinco's version of Venus on the sea monster is very different from the sculpture by John Deare (English, 1759 - 1798) which is the most heralded sculpture.

Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, reclines on a fantastic sea monster in this allegory of Lust. The goddess entwines her fingers in the creature's mane a gesture that represents erotic intent while in the background Pluto adds to the amorous imagery by holding her leg, undoubtedly meant to suggest the burning ardor of desire. The sea monster carries Venus through the frothy waves, as she rests back her gaze looks of into the distance with anticipation.

Isabelo Tampinco displayed his great skill in carving a variety of levels and textures in this sculpture, from the low relief of the Pluto to the smooth, full depiction of Venus, and finally to the sea monsters head and snout and wavy strands of hair caught in the waves of the sea, carved with energy and precision.

Tampinco's classic depiction of Lust as a woman riding on a sea monster forms part of the classic sculptural tradition that was been popular in the Philippines during the Spanish times.since the Middle Ages.

This sculpture is signed on the back of the lower base “ ILT”.

Everything about this sculpture is stunning and shows the amazing talent of the true cultural heritage of the work of Isabelo Tampinco.

Written by , Mark E Shellshear.
                     Art consultant.