Félix Resurrección Hidalgo

Félix Resurrección Hidalgo was a Filipino painter and one of the leading figures in Philippine art during the Spanish colonial period. Born on February 21, 1855, in Binondo, Manila, Hidalgo studied at the prestigious Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando in Madrid, where he developed a strong foundation in European art styles, particularly in the academic traditions of Romanticism and Realism. His works often blended historical and allegorical themes, drawing inspiration from both European classical art and Filipino cultural narratives.

Hidalgo gained international recognition for his masterpieces such as La Barca de Aqueronte (The Boat of Charon), which exemplified his mastery of light, detail, and emotional depth. He was awarded numerous accolades, including a gold medal at the 1889 Exposition Universelle in Paris for his painting Venus. Hidalgo was also active in the nationalist movement, and his art became an important part of the Filipino intellectual elite's advocacy for reforms during the Spanish colonial period. He died on March 13, 1913, but remains celebrated as one of the key figures in the development of Philippine art during the late 19th century.