Fernando Amorsolo y Cueto

 was born on May 30, 1892 and died on April 24, 1972. He is one of the most important artists in the history of painting in the Philippines. Amorsolo was a portraitist and painter of rural Philippine landscapes. He is popularly known for his craftsmanship and mastery in the use of light.

Fernando Amorsolo y Cueto

 “Ladies in the Mango Field”

1949

Oil on Canvas

61x87 cm

Also known as Fruitpickers Under The Mango Tree, 1939, Amorsolo demonstrated his use of “Chiaroscuro”, an Italian term describing the contrast between light and dark, to achieve a sense of three-dimensionality, especially with regards to the human figure.

I chose this artwork because, as a shy man whose only real genius was in painting, Fernando Amorsolo actually also helped shape and stylize the image of the ideal Filipina, seemingly timid, with conservative poise, but brimming with inner strength. He was best known for his illuminated landscapes which often portrayed traditional Filipino customs, culture, fiestas and occupations. His pastoral works presented an imagined sense of nationhood in counterpoint to American colonial rule and were important to the formation of Filipino national identity.