For more than a century now, the name Fernando Amorsolo has been synonymous with the term “Philippine art.” His prolific output of paintings, sketches, and murals depicting the scenic beauty of the Philippine countryside, the vibrancy of provincial life, and the dignity of ordinary Filipino people has cemented his place as one of the most admired and celebrated artists in Philippine history. In this blog post, we will delve into the fascinating world of Fernando Amorsolo paintings, from his biography and techniques, to his major works and contributions to Philippine art.
Fernando Amorsolo Biography: The Making of an Artist
Fernando Amorsolo was born on May 30, 1892, in Paco, Manila, to Pedro Amorsolo, a bookkeeper, and Bonifacia Cueto, a talented seamstress. At an early age, Amorsolo showed a keen interest in drawing and painting, which his parents encouraged by sending him to art classes. He attended the Liceo de Manila and the University of the Philippines School of Fine Arts, where he studied under the tutelage of Fabian de la Rosa and Lorenzo Guerrero, two prominent Filipino painters of the time.
Amorsolo’s early works were influenced by the academic style of painting, emphasizing realistic depictions of everyday scenes and landscapes. However, he soon developed his own style, characterized by a radiant use of light and color, delicate brushwork, and a romanticized portrayal of rural life. Amorsolo painted mainly in oil, but he also worked in watercolor, pastel, and charcoal. His subjects included peasant farmers, fishing villages, barrio fiestas, and historical events.
Amorsolo’s fame as an artist grew steadily throughout the 1920s and 1930s, as he participated in numerous exhibitions and won several awards both locally and internationally. In 1941, he became the first Filipino artist to receive the Philippine Legion of Honor, the highest honor given by the Philippine government. He also served as a professor and dean of the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts, where he trained several generations of aspiring Filipino artists.
Amorsolo passed away on April 24, 1972, leaving behind a legacy of over 10,000 paintings and a profound impact on Philippine art and culture.
What Kind of Art is Fernando Amorsolo?
Fernando Amorsolo is considered a master of genre painting, a genre that portrays everyday scenes and activities of ordinary people. He is also known for his landscape paintings, which depict the natural beauty of the Philippine countryside, and his historical paintings, which depict significant events in Philippine history. Amorsolo’s paintings are characterized by the use of vibrant colors, luminous light effects, and meticulous detail. He was also known for his romanticized and idealized portrayal of Filipino life and culture, which often had a nostalgic and sentimental flavor.
Fernando Amorsolo Techniques: The Art of Radiant Colors and Luminous Light
One of the most distinctive features of Fernando Amorsolo paintings is his use of vibrant colors and luminous light effects. Amorsolo achieved this effect by using thin layers of paint applied to a white or light-colored background. He also took advantage of the natural light in his studio and painted during the brightest hours of the day to ensure that the colors would be at their most vibrant.
Amorsolo also employed a technique known as “light and dark,” which involved contrasting areas of light and shadow to create depth and volume. He was influenced by the chiaroscuro style of the Italian Renaissance, which emphasized dramatic contrasts between light and dark.
Another technique that Amorsolo used was the “broken color” technique, which involved applying small strokes of different colors next to each other, instead of blending them together. This resulted in a mosaic-like effect that created a vibrant and dynamic surface.
Major Works of Fernando Amorsolo: A Legacy of Philippine Art
Fernando Amorsolo’s legacy in Philippine art is built on numerous masterpieces that showcase his exquisite skills and artistic vision. Here are some of his most famous works:
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“Planting Rice” (1926) – This painting depicts a group of farmers planting rice seedlings in the fields, with a radiant sunset in the background. It is one of Amorsolo’s most famous works and is considered a masterpiece of Philippine genre painting.
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“La Barca de Aqueronte” (1921) – This painting depicts a mythological scene of Charon, the ferryman of Hades, taking souls across the river Styx. It is one of Amorsolo’s most ambitious works and shows his mastery of historical painting.
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“Dalagang Bukid” (1936) – This painting depicts a young woman dressed in traditional Philippine attire, carrying a basket of flowers. It is one of Amorsolo’s most iconic works and has become a symbol of Philippine national identity.
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“The Explosion of the Magazine of Fort Santiago” (1944) – This painting depicts a dramatic moment in Philippine history, the explosion of the ammunition dump of Fort Santiago during the Battle of Manila in World War II. It is one of Amorsolo’s most patriotic works and shows his commitment to chronicling Philippine history.
Dalagang Bukid by Fernando Amorsolo: An Iconic Image of Philippine Culture
Of all the paintings by Fernando Amorsolo, “Dalagang Bukid” (literally “Country Maiden”) is perhaps the most iconic. It depicts a young woman dressed in a white blouse and colorful skirt, carrying a basket of flowers on her head. The painting exudes a sense of innocence, purity, and simplicity, qualities that are often associated with the Philippine countryside and its people.
“Dalagang Bukid” has become a cultural touchstone of Philippine identity, inspiring poems, songs, and even movies. It has also been reproduced countless times, not only in prints and posters but also on everyday items such as plates, mugs, and calendars.
What is the Line of Fernando Amorsolo Painting?
The “line” in Fernando Amorsolo painting refers to his use of crisp, clean, and well-defined outlines to delineate the forms and shapes in his paintings. The line is an essential element of Amorsolo’s style, as it gives his paintings a sense of clarity, precision, and orderliness. His use of the line is particularly evident in his genre paintings, where he often depicts figures in sharp detail, with every fold of clothing and every strand of hair meticulously rendered.
Fernando Amorsolo Contribution: The Master of Philippine Art
Fernando Amorsolo’s contribution to Philippine art cannot be overstated. He not only produced a vast body of paintings that captured the beauty and spirit of the Philippines, but he also inspired generations of Filipino artists to follow in his footsteps. His emphasis on light, color, and naturalism, as well as his celebration of Philippine culture and traditions, set the standards for Philippine art for decades to come.
Amorsolo was also a devoted teacher and mentor, sharing his knowledge and skills with countless students and young artists. He helped establish the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts as a center for art education and research, and his influence can be felt in the works of many of the Philippines’ most prominent artists, from Jose Joya to Ronald Ventura.
How Much is an Amorsolo Painting Now?
Fernando Amorsolo paintings are highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts around the world, and they command high prices in auctions and galleries. As of 2021, the highest auction price for an Amorsolo painting was USD 1.3 million, for his 1928 work “Rice Planting.” However, prices for Amorsolo paintings vary widely, depending on factors such as size, condition, subject matter, and provenance.
If you’re interested in collecting Amorsolo paintings, it’s important to do your research and work with reputable dealers and auction houses. You can also visit museums and galleries that showcase Amorsolo’s works to get a sense of his style and technique.
Conclusion: The Enduring Beauty of Fernando Amorsolo Paintings
Fernando Amorsolo’s paintings continue to captivate and inspire audiences around the world, more than five decades after his passing. His masterful use of light and color, his romanticized view of Filipino life, and his unwavering commitment to Philippine art and culture have made him an icon of Philippine art and a role model for aspiring artists everywhere. Whether you’re a fan of genre painting, landscape painting, or historical painting, you can’t go wrong with a Fernando Amorsolo painting in your collection.