Fernando Amorsolo Philippine National Artist

Amorsolo

(Excerpt from Amorsolo by Alfredo Roces, 1975)

Without a doubt Amorsolo was the most popular painter in the Philippines. School children became familiar with his paintings of Philippine views through reproductions in their text books. Many humble nipa hut in the countryside or makeshift shanty in an urbanized town was brightened by a calendar showing colored reproductions of Amorsolo paintings. His paintings were even reproduced in postage stamps. HIs original works are displayed in private mansions and public edifices. In this sense, he was a household word.

His vision of the rustic scene was of gentle, romanticized women in what today seems like theatrically native costumes, gathering mangoes or planing rice. While it was portrayed of his subjects in nostalgic poses, Read more