Post #399571 by Limbo Lizard on Thu, Aug 7, 2008 7:03 AM

On 2007-08-11 01:22, Tiki Lee's wrote:

...As for the signiture on the velvet painting, it looks like it says "Ben Alano" but I can't be sure. The date is clear- 1960... Anyone ever hear of this guy?

He was a Filipino artist from Manila (1920-1991), apparently quite well regarded. 3 paintings and a comment at:
http://raynoho.multiply.com/photos/album/15/Ben_Alano
"Ben Alano was one of the more well-known "Mabini artist" who set shop along the busy Mabini St. in Malate, Manila to cater to the tourist trade. He did a lot of paintings on velvet and also paired ethnic paintings just like yours--which were very popular in his time."

Here's a Ben Alano painting for sale on a Philippines message board. The description has some info about Alano, and the seller probably knows more. Asking 12,500 pesos (about $285 US).
http://www.sulit.com.ph/index.php/view+classifieds/id/601078/Ben+Alano+Painting+Oil+on+Velvet
"Up for sale is a oil panting of renowned Filipino painter, Ben Alano. [...] The subject is a "Mangsusulsi", a favorite subject of Mr. Alano, which appeared in Duldulao's art book, "100 years of Philippine Realism". [...] Signed BEN ALANO, Manila... "

[ Edited by: Limbo Lizard 2008-08-07 07:34 ]