Researched by: Angelene Beatrice Flores|2023, January
Fernando Amorsolo
BORN: May 30, 1892
BIRTHPLACE: Paco, Manila
DIED: April 24, 1972 (aged 79) in Quezon City
NOTABLE WORKS: Planting Rice, Dalagang Bukid, The Mestiza
In 1909, Fernanlo Amorsolo attended the University of the Philippines' School of Fine Arts after he earned a degree in Liceo de Manila Art School. He was a well-known painter of portraits of rural landscapes, and recognized for his skill and proficiency using light. In addition to his expertise in using lighting and backlighting in his paintings, he was praised for his "pioneering use of impressionistic style" with some of his portraits “Afternoon Meal of the Workers” which won an award and one of his most well-known pieces is “Harvesting Rice”. He then became the first person to ever be named a National Artist of the Philippines named as the "Grand Old Man of Philippine Art”
The Making of the Philippine Flag
DATE: 1955
TECHNIQUE: Backlighting Technique Chiarosquro
MATERIALS USED: Oil Paint on Canvas
CURRENT WHEREABOUTS: Unknown
A great painting by Fernando Amorsolo portrays the creation of the Philippine flag. Three women, including Delfina Rizal Herbosa de Natividad together with Marcela Agoncillo and her daughter Lorenza Agoncillo. Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo assigned them the responsibility of stitching the first flag of the Philippines. The three women are stitching with fervor, which exhibits elegance. It takes place in house that is called a "Bahay Kubo"
It is said that Amorsolo painted this to show Filipinos how the Philippine flag was made and to serve as a reminder of the customs and traditions that we had forgotten about becoming stale. Moreover, the painting depicts women empowerment, it showcases how strong and talented women are. Since Filipino women are frequently treated unfairly and are expected to conform to patriarchal norms; that women are destined to be men's slaves from birth. The painting just serves as proof that women are capable of going above the limitations imposed by social norms.
Andreifrans, (2017, October 16). A critique paper on the artwork the making of Philippine flag by Fernando Amorsolo. Site Title. Retrieved January 8, 2023, from https://andreifrans.wordpress.com/2017/10/16/a-critique-paper-on-the-artwork-the-making-of-philippine-flag-by-fernando-amorsolo/
YOURDICTIONARY. (n.d.). Fernando Amorsolo. YourDictionary. Retrieved January 8, 2023, from https://biography.yourdictionary.com/fernando-amorsolo