The Philippines’ diverse and rich culture are reflected in the country’s paintings. Filipino art has a long history that dates back to the prehistoric period, when paintings were created on the cave walls. There are several human figures, frogs, and other creatures shown in these paintings. Paintings were employed as a tool of spreading church propaganda and promoting Catholic doctrines in the Philippines throughout the 16th century as a result of Spanish influence. Thus, from the 16th century to the 19th century, paintings were predominantly created for ecclesiastical use. Here is the list of some famous Philippine paintings and their artists.
Spoliarium by Juan Luna
Juan Luna’s oil on canvas work Spoliarium is based on gladiator fights. It offers a look at Roman history as well as the brutal results of these fights. The gladiators in the painting are depicted being carried by Roman soldiers as they die. The phrase “Spoliarium,” which is a Latin term, refers to the location in the Roman Colosseum where the remains of defeated gladiators were dumped. Luna portrayed a contrast between the two sides of the painting: on the left, spectators are seen enthusiastically anticipating the battles, while on the right, mourners are depicted.
The Builders by Victorio Edades
One of Victorio Edades’ greatest pieces, The Builders, was exhibited in his first one-man exhibition at the Philippine Columbia Club in 1928. It is thought to be a compilation of all of his other works that were displayed in this exhibition. In contrast to his contemporaries, Edades distinguished himself and his work by using muted earth tones, yellows, and black.
The Builders brilliantly convey the core of the painting through structural and linear composition. The human bodies in the paintings successfully capture the men’s laborious work. The Thirteen Moderns, a group of painters that supported and believed in modernism in art, were led by Victorio Edades.
The Making Of The Philippine Flag by Fernando Amorsolo
Fernando Amorsolo, a well-known artist in the Philippines, created this artwork. One of the most well-known paintings in the Philippines is The Making of the Philippine Flag. Three women are depicted: Marcela Agoncillo, Lorenza, and Delfina Herbosa de Natividad, a niece of Dr. Jose Rizal.
The most famous Filipino artwork may be this one. Although there are rumors that Amorsolo’s portrayal is inaccurate. This is because one of the three women embroidering the Philippine flag is a little child.
Filipino Struggles Through History by Carlos Francisco
According to the National Museum, Carlos “Botong” Francisco, a well-known Filipino painter, produced “Filipino Struggles Through History” in 1968, just months before his untimely death on March 31, 1969. It is conceivably his greatest and last surviving work. This well-known painting in the Philippines can be seen at the National Museum of Fine Arts. It was designated a National Cultural Treasure in 1996. This means that it is “a unique cultural property found locally, possessing outstanding historical, cultural, artistic, and/or scientific value that is highly significant and important to the country and nation.”
Key Takeaway
Painters began experimenting with new and unique painting techniques, and watercolors eventually became the chosen medium. Las Virgenes Cristianas Expuestas al Populacho by Felix Resurrección Hidalgo and Spolarium by Juan Luna are two of the most well-known works from this era. The country’s artistic landscape was significantly impacted by the Second World War. Painters concentrated on creating works of art that emphasized the harsh and dark character of war and how it affected the Filipino people.
