Sculpture 15: More Works of Francesco Riccardo Monti
During the Commonwealth years, one foreign artist dedicated his art in decorating many landmarks in the Philippine capital, Manila. At the heyday of constructing public infrastructures that aimed to herald the birth of an independent nation, his works adorned many landmarks and now heritage buildings.
Francesco Riccardo Monti, an Italian, produced large works that are publicly conspicuous but rarely mention his name. These works include sculptures at the Quezon Memorial, University of Santo Tomas Main Building, Metropolitan Theatre, demolished Capitol Theatre, demolished Meralco Building, and more. He also had extant works in Bacolod and Iloilo.
Surprisingly, smaller sculptures of Monti are for purchase at an arts shop in Intramuros. Selling at six-figure amounts, these sculptures, I think, are important representation of his art that can be examined up close (his works in public spaces are usually seen from afar). An expatriate who had taken a liking to the country in its years as an American vassal state.
Below are some works made from cast marble, located at the Galeria de las Islas wing of the Silahis Centre.
Apollo and Daphne
Priced at PHP220,000
Doodling Some Thoughts 