AESTHET IA #4: National Museum of the Philippines — National Art Museum

Fernando Amorsolo Y Cueto, is known as one of the great portraitist and painter in the Philippines. Most of his artworks are collected and preserved in the National Museum of the Philippines. One of his great artwork is the “Portrait of a Lady (Unfinished)”. What made this portrait so special is that, it is the last portrait he painted before he died on April 24, 1972. After I saw this, I have realized that art is not just a pastime or something that gives you pleasure, it is a life. A life that is valuable, meaningful and purposeful. Fernando Amorsolo showed his love and passion through arts. And I can say that, until his last breath, he still devoted his time for arts.

Juan Luna, a brilliant painter behind the “Spoliarium”. This was the exact picture of cruelty experienced by the Filipino people by the colonizers. Filipino’s become slaves and being tortured. They are maltreated in their own country. This painting serves as the eye-opener for every Filipino. That everyone must appreciates the sacrifices of our ancestors.

“Pag-unlad ng Panggagamot sa Pilipinas” was painted by Carlos V. Francisco. It shows how people treated the sick in the old times by a herb doctor. This is the ancient way of treatment. Also, it shows that Filipino people had a great sympathy for their neighbors. But today, we have doctors, physicians and trusted medicines that can help us to get well.

“The First Mass in Limasawa” was also painted by Carlos V. Francisco. It has it’s historic relevance in the Philippines, the introduction of Christianity in the Philippines and first mass celebration that was held in Limasawa. It is where Filipino’s accepts Christianity and starts to build and strengthen their faith to God. Religion helps the Filipino’s in the old times to be united as one.

“El Asesinato del Gobernador Bustamante” painted by the great and famous painter Felix Resurrecion Hidalgo. It shows how brutal the conquerors that time. It is the assassination of Gobernador Bustamante.

“Congratulations to the Liberal Democrats” It was painted by Pablo Baens Santos. It symbolizes the freedom they fight for. The democracy that changes everything. This painting shows the unexplainable joy and happiness of the Filipinos. After the cruelty and tortures. Finally, they had freedom and peace that everybody wants.

“Resurreccion” by Hernardo R. Ocampo. It is an example of abstract. For me, it shows unity. Because many hands were holding together. Also, it is shaped like a heart that has veins connected to it. And the color serves as blood that flows around the heart.

“Magsasaka” by Vicente Silva Manansala. It shows how Filipino planted and harvest crops. Living in a simple way. Life is just that simple.