Task 2 Identifying the Subject

View of Bataan from Manila Bay by Fernando Amorsolo

1. Identify the subject of this artwork. What does it show? In your own words, give the meaning of the
word "subject".
➔ The artwork looks peaceful as if there is nothing in the world but tranquility. In that sense, I
think the subject portrays people who live in a quiet town or place - far from a city’s chaos.
It depicts a simple life with beautiful skies, humble houses, and engaging waters. From this
captivating artwork, I can conclude that the “subject” is subjective. Sometimes, there are
things that the artist intends to be noticed, but other people don’t. I think the “subject” of
artwork or anything that has to have a subject is entirely dependent on the people who look
at it.
2. As provided in the label, what is the medium that the artist used in rendering the subject? Define
the word "medium" as used in the example above.
➔ Fernando Amorsolo used oil on canvas as his medium to reflect this artwork. I have always
understood that “medium” is used to convey something - such as a guiding bridge. Like in
this painting, the oil painting on the canvas that Fernando Amorsolo used to portray a
breathtaking view. This painting made me see a fresh perspective regarding what was Bataan
on his time - like a bridge that bonds me to the past.
3. What art discipline or art form is Fernando Amorsolo known for?
➔ Before choosing this painting, I looked at some of his artworks and read about his life. With
that, I concluded that Fernando Amorsolo is a painter. He can be a portraitist or a painter
of rural Philippine landscape. Moreover, he was known for his mastery in applying light on
his paintings. It is an Italian backlighting technique, chiaroscuro, which adapts both light and
dark.
4. Where do you think Amorsolo got his inspiration? Can you name other sources where artists obtain
their inspiration?
➔ I think the scenery before him inspired him to paint this artwork. This oil on canvas
painting, View of Bataan from Manila Bay, was probably etched on his mind when he painted
it. Inspiration comes from different situations and places. Indeed, this painting currently
embodies what Fernando Amorsolo felt then.
➔ I recently read a book by David Vann with the title ‘Aquarium.’ The book has a lot of
magnificent artworks of various kinds of bizarre-looking fishes. The drawings carry so much
story within them that it made me think of the highly passionate artist behind it. The
wonders of the waters inspired the artist, and that’s what enabled him to draw and paint
those spectacular creatures of the deep.