Renee Margoux B.
Dizon
12 – Heisenberg
Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Regions
INTERACT WITH AN ARTWORK
Art Criticism Process
Sketch:
Describe:
"Sunday Morning Going to Town" is a painting by
Fernando Amorsolo, a renowned Filipino artist known for
his mastery of light and portrayal of Philippine country life.
A group of peasants are seen moving through a rural area on
a Sunday morning in a cart pulled by a carabao (water
buffalo).
The image portrays a sunny and joyful day, with sunlight
illuminating the people's colorful clothing and the green
fields. The people inside the wagon are shown to be happy
and pleased as they travel to town while chatting and having
fun while carrying baskets of produce. The image captures
both the ease of rural living in the Philippines and a sense of
camaraderie.
Overall, "Sunday Morning Going to Town" is a
gorgeous and moving piece of art that captures Philippine
life in the early 20th century. It is one of Amorsolo's most
well-known pieces and has come to symbolize Filipino
culture.
Interpret:
"Sunday Morning Going to Town" by Fernando
Amorsolo displays a rural scene of a family on a cart being
carried by a carabao, a type of water buffalo, as they travel
to town on a beautiful Sunday morning.
The picture's thick vegetation and warm sunlight give a
sense of serenity and tranquillity, reflecting the peaceful and
attractive element of country life. The characters in the
painting are realistic and precise, with the artist paying
special attention to the textures of their clothing and the
expressions on their faces, which convey a sense of delight
and satisfaction.
Analyze:
The painting shows a family on their way to town on a
wonderful Sunday morning, with lush vegetation and a
winding route in the background.
The family is positioned in the midst of the painting, while
the trail draws the viewer's attention to the background.
Brilliant yellows, oranges, and greens predominate in the
setting, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Amorsolo's use of light and shadow gives the image depth
and motion.
optimism and enthusiasm.
The characters in the artwork are dressed in traditional
Filipino garb, emphasizing the scene's cultural significance.
The father is walking with his wife and children, who are
carrying small bags, while holding a basket. The family's
posture and facial expressions indicate that they are looking
forward to their journey to town, creating a sense of
optimism and excitement.
Judge:
The artwork sticks out to me because of its use of warm,
golden tones and delicate brushstrokes, which create a
peaceful and serene atmosphere. Amorsolo's attention to
detail in depicting people in traditional Filipino attire adds to
the artwork's authenticity and cultural importance. The
composition of the picture is well-balanced, with the figures
and landscape components combined in a harmonious
manner, adding to the sense of tranquillity.
Overall, "Sunday Morning Going to Town" is a great
work of art that not only exhibits Amorsolo's artistic talent
but also provides insight into the rich cultural history of the
Philippines.
Renee Margoux B. Dizon
12 – Heisenberg
Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Regions
Artist: Juan Luna, 1886
1. DESCRIBE
What are the things you see in
this artwork? Explain
everything you see about this
artwork, even if you don’t
know what it is.
2. ANALYZE
How are the elements of art
used in this artwork?
INTERACT WITH AN ARTWORK
Art Critique
Title: The Blood Compact
Juan Luna's painting "The Blood Compact" shows a historical
incident that occurred in the Philippines in 1565. Two figures are
depicted in the painting performing an ancient practice known as
"sandugo," or blood compact. The following elements can be seen in
the artwork:
1. Two individuals: The artwork depicts two individuals, one of
whom is thought to be the Filipino chieftain Datu Sikatuna
and the other the Spanish conquistador Miguel López de
Legazpi. Both males are depicted facing each other in a
respectful posture.
2. The Blood Compact Ritual: The picture represents the
traditional Filipino ritual of "sandugo," which entails the
mixing of two people's blood as a sign of trust and
friendship. Both guys are portrayed in the picture slashing
their forearms and mixing their blood with wine, which they
are ready to drink.
3. The attire worn by the people in the artwork is especially
remarkable. Datu Sikatuna is depicted wearing a colorful
outfit with gold and crimson tones, as is typical of traditional
Filipino attire. Meanwhile, López de Legazpi is dressed in
Spanish garb, complete with a scarlet cloak and a plumed
helmet.
4. The countryside: In the painting's background, we observe a
beautiful, tropical countryside with a clear blue sky. The
features in the scene, such as palm trees, mountains, and a
river, provide depth and richness to the artwork.
5. Luna used vibrant colors and dramatic lighting to create a
sense of movement and emotion in her painting. The gold
and red colors of Datu Sikatuna's clothes contrast with the
blues and greens of the environment, and the contrasting light
and shadow provide depth and perspective to the painting.
Juan Luna's painting "The Blood Compact" employs a variety of
artistic techniques to create an aesthetically striking and emotionally
compelling work. The following are examples of how art elements
are employed in the artwork:
1. Color: One of the most remarkable characteristics of Luna's
artwork is her use of color. The figures' clothing's vivid,
strong colors stand out against the deep blues and greens of
the background countryside, producing a sense of contrast
and excitement. The scarlet and gold tones of Datu Sikatuna's
clothes grab the eye and provide a feeling of regality to the
picture, while López de Legazpi's red cloak and hat identify
him as the Spanish conquest.
2. Line: Luna's use of line contributes to the painting's
impression of movement and vitality. The flowing lines of
the landscape and the sweeping curves of the characters'
attire provide the sensation of motion, while the sharp,
angular lines of the figures' arms and the ritual knife add
tension and drama.
3. Form: The figures in the painting are depicted in three
dimensions, which lends them a sense of solidity and
presence. Their clothes folds and creases, muscle outlines,

3. INTERPRET
What is going on in this
artwork? What is the purpose
of this work of art?
4. ANALYZE
Do you like this piece of art
WHY or WHY NOT? What is
the best thing about this
artwork? What is the worst
thing about this piece?
and shadows created by their bodies all contribute to the
impression of form and dimension.
4. Texture: Luna's use of texture gives the picture depth and
richness. The rough roughness of the landscape's rocks and
boulders contrasts with the smooth, flowing texture of the
characters' attire, and the glossy shine of the wine in the ritual
bowl provides a sense of richness and wealth.
5. Luna employs perspective to give a sense of space and depth
in his painting. The humans are displayed in the front, while
the scenery recedes into the backdrop, which includes
mountains and a river. This adds depth and scale to the
picture and attracts the viewer's eye into the scene.
"The Blood Compact" by Juan Luna recounts a historical event
that occurred in the Philippines in 1565, when a traditional ritual
known as "sandugo" or blood compact was performed between the
Filipino chieftain Datu Sikatuna and the Spanish conquest Miguel
López de Legazpi. As a gesture of confidence and friendship, the two
people in the artwork cut their forearms and mingle their blood with
the wine they are going to consume.
The artwork's objective is to remember this key era in Philippine
history as well as to honor the cultural exchange between Filipinos
and Spaniards. The picture is meant to reflect the two cultures'
mutual respect and understanding, as well as the necessity of creating
relationships via trust and friendship.
Furthermore, the painting can be considered as a mirror of Luna's
own national attitude, as he was a notable Filipino artist who made
significant contributions to the development of Philippine art. Luna's
painting aims to represent the spirit and identity of the Filipino
people, as well as to expose their rich cultural legacy to the rest of the
world.
Overall, "The Blood Compact" is a strong and evocative work of
art that represents a significant event in Philippine history while also
celebrating the cultural exchange of two diverse cultures. It serves as
a reminder of the importance of trust, friendship, and mutual respect
in forging strong bonds between cultures and nations.
Without a doubt, I appreciate this work of art. The most important
aspect of "The Blood Compact" is its historical and cultural
relevance. The painting portrays the spirit of the blood contract,
which represents a friendship and brotherhood bond between two
cultures. The painting's colors, details, and arrangement are
especially noteworthy, demonstrating Luna's artistic abilities and
competence.
However, the artwork has flaws. It lacks energy and action since
the actors are rigid and posed, and there is no sense of movement or
emotion. Others argue that Luna's portrayal of Filipinos and
Spaniards reflects the colonial narrative and stereotypes of the time,
in which Spanish settlers are depicted as superior and powerful, while
Filipinos are subservient and passive.
Renee Margoux B. Dizon
12 – Heisenberg
Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Regions
INTERACT WITH AN ARTWORK
Art Detective Chart
Art: Fruit Gatherer (Fernando Amorsolo)
What do you see?
What do you think is happening to this
piece of art?
What materials do you think the artist
used to make this piece of art?
Does this piece of art remind you of
anything?
What questions do you have about this
piece of art?
A young Filipina girl stands in a beautiful green field,
clutching a basket full of fruits and a bunch of bananas
in one hand.
The girl is dressed in traditional Filipino attire, a
gorgeous shirt and a skirt known as a "Maria Clara." The
painting is loaded with brilliant colors, with the green
grass, blue sky, and colorful fruits and flowers all
contributing to the pleasant ambiance.
The artwork is located in a rural part of the Philippines,
as indicated by a mountain range and a few homes in the
background. While depicting a scene from everyday life
in the countryside, the artwork instills a sense of calm
and simplicity.
In the image, a young Filipina woman is seen holding a
basket of fruits on her head, with a beautiful tropical
landscape in the background.
The woman in the painting is dressed in traditional
Filipino attire, which includes a vibrant blouse and a
flowing skirt. She's barefoot and appears to be strolling
down a country lane. Her fruit basket atop her head is
brimming with mangos, bananas, and pineapples.
The artwork represents a typical scene in the Philippines,
where fruit gathering is a common pastime for many
rural households.
Amorsolo was recognized for his use of high-quality
materials such artist-grade oil paints, stretched canvases,
and fine brushes. He was also known for using
traditional techniques to generate luminous effects, such
as layering thin paint glazes.
Amorsolo's paintings have a warm, golden tone that he
produced by employing a limited color palette of earth
tones, warm yellows, and oranges. He also utilized
impasto, a technique in which thick layers of paint are
applied to the canvas to give texture and depth.
Yes, the image captures the simple beauty and purity of
rural life in the Philippines, where people lived in close
proximity to nature and relied on agriculture for a living.
The girl in the artwork represents the Filipino people,
who are known for their perseverance and bravery in the
face of tragedy.
How did the artwork affect the Filipino art scene and
national identity?
Pretend you can enter inside this piece of
what do you see? What do you hear?
What do you smell? What do you taste?
Which part of this piece of art do you like?
Why?
If you could change one thing about this
piece of art, what would you change?
How does this piece of art make you feel?
Can you say why?
If you would describe this piece of art to a
friend, what kind of words would you
use?
If I were to step inside Fernando Amorsolo's "Fruit
Gatherer" painting, I would see a lush and beautiful
landscape with rolling hills and farmland in the
background. In the foreground, I'd imagine a young
woman dressed in traditional Filipino attire, wearing a
straw hat and carrying a large basket of fruit on her
head. She appears to be walking down a dirt path
flanked by tall grasses and plants.
I'd hear the rustle of leaves, birds chirping, and distant
sounds of animals and insects. Perhaps I would hear the
young woman's quiet footfall along the route, the
creaking of the basket on her head, and the odd sound of
fruit falling into the basket.
In terms of odors, I'd probably detect the sweet aroma of
the fruit, the earthy aroma of the soil, and the fresh scent
of the greenery. You might also smell the salty sea wind,
the aroma of flowers, or the smokey smell of a nearby
fire, depending on the time of day and the location of the
picture.
The picture depicts a glimpse of rural Filipino life,
portraying the simplicity, beauty, and peace of the
countryside. The subject matter, combined with the
amazing execution of the painting, provides a serene and
beautiful landscape that is both intriguing and evocative.
If I could make one adjustment to this picture, it would
be to give the character of the fruit gatherer additional
depth and complexity. While the picture is lovely and
represents a serene moment in time, it lacks emotional
depth and narrative. The artwork might be made even
more striking and profound by depicting the fruit
gatherer in greater detail and complexity. This could
include disclosing more about her past and personal
narrative, as well as demonstrating the problems and
struggles she may experience in her daily life.
I experience a sense of tranquility and serenity when I
look at "Fruit Gatherer" because the artwork uses
brilliant colors and light to create a pleasant ambiance.
Because it depicts a traditional rural setting and an age-
old pastime of fruit collecting, the picture may provoke
feelings of nostalgia and appreciation for simpler times.
EVOCATIVE - The term "evocative" refers to a
painting's ability to evoke strong emotions or
recollections in the viewer. The rich colors, attention to
detail, and depiction of rural life in the Philippines in
Fernando Amorsolo's painting "Fruit Gatherer" are all
factors that can create sentiments of nostalgia,
admiration for cultural history, and a connection to
nature.
Renee Margoux B. Dizon
12 – Heisenberg
Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Regions

INTERACT WITH AN ARTWORK

Artist Profile Chart

Artist: Juan Luna

Artist Profile Information about the Artist
Brief Biography Juan Luna was a Filipino painter born in 1857. He was a member of the
Propaganda Movement in the nineteenth century, which sought political
reforms from the Spanish government. He studied in Madrid's Academia
de Bellas Artes and received numerous medals and awards for his art.
His most famous works were "Spoliarium" and "Death of Cleopatra."
Luna died at the age of 42 in Hong Kong. His reputation as a Filipino
painter lives on, and his works continue to inspire artists all around the
world..

Education Luna received his primary and secondary schooling at the Ateneo
Municipal de Manila in Manila. He eventually moved to Europe to finish
his art education. He enrolled in the Academia de Bellas Artes de San
Fernando in Madrid, Spain, where he studied under the direction of
some of the most prominent artists of the time.

Luna's talent and commitment to his craft garnered him numerous

medals and recognition in European art competitions. His paintings of
historical events, landscapes, and portraits propelled him to fame.

In addition to his art education, Luna was participated in the Philippine

Revolution. As an artist, he contributed to the cause by creating
propaganda art for the Katipunan, a revolutionary movement fighting for
the country's independence from Spain.

Luna's education and experiences influenced his work and shaped his
outlook. He used his talent to promote social justice and national identity
while also highlighting the beauty of his country and its people..

Major Works 1. Luna's most renowned painting, Spoliarium, illustrates the

Roman practice of throwing dead victims into the arena to be
stripped of their goods. In 1884, it received a gold medal at the
Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes in Madrid.
2. The Battle of Lepanto - This picture depicts the battle of
Lepanto in 1571 between Christian and Ottoman armies. In
1887, it received a silver medal at the Exposición Nacional de
Bellas Artes in Madrid.
3. La Muerte de Cleopatra (The Death of Cleopatra) - This painting
depicts Cleopatra, the Egyptian queen, committing herself. It
took first place in the 1887 Exposición General de Filipinas in
Madrid.
4. El Bautismo de Rajah Humabon (The Baptism of Rajah
Humabon) - This painting depicts Ferdinand Magellan's baptism
of the first Filipino converts to Christianity. In 1889, it received
a medal at the Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes in Madrid.
5. Parisian Life - A group of women enjoy the trendy Parisian
lifestyle in this painting. In 1888, it received a gold medal at the
Exposición Universal de Barcelona.

Awards 1. Gold Medal at the Madrid Exposition (1881) for his painting
"Una Bulaqueña"
2. Gold Medal at the National Exposition of Fine Arts in Madrid
(1884) for his masterpiece "Spoliarium".
 3. Silver Medal at the National Exposition of Fine Arts in Madrid
(1887) for "The Battle of Lepanto"
4. First Prize at the General Exposition of the Philippines in
Madrid (1887) for "The Death of Cleopatra"
5. Medal of Honor at the Exposition of Fine Arts in Paris (1889)
for "The Blood Compact"
6. Gold Medal at the Universal Exposition in Barcelona (1888) for
"Parisian Life"
7. Order of Leopold from the Belgian government (1885)
8. Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic (1887)
9. Elected Member of the National Academy of San Luca in Rome
(1890)

Style Luna's paintings are distinguished by their realism and attention to

detail, as well as their dramatic use of light and shadow. In his paintings,
he regularly included historical and social issues, such as "Spoliarium,"
which depicts the aftermath of a gladiatorial combat in ancient Rome.

Luna's style was heavily influenced by his training in Europe, where he

was exposed to the approaches of European masters. He was also
influenced by the romanticism of the time, which emphasized emotion
and drama in art.

Critical Reception Juan Luna's art has been well praised for its technical skill and emotional
depth. He is widely regarded as one of the most significant painters in
Philippine history, and he is recognized with contributing to the
development of the Philippine art scene.

Luna's painting "Spoliarium" won a gold medal at the 1884 Madrid

Exposition of Fine Arts, which was a notable achievement for a Filipino
artist at the time. This painting has become a symbol of Philippine art
and is considered a Realist masterpiece.

However, Luna's personal life was marred by scandal and tragedy, which
overshadowed his artistic achievements at times. He was involved in a
high-profile murder case in Paris in 1892, when he killed his wife and
mother-in-law before attempting suicide. Although he was eventually
found not guilty due to insanity, the incident harmed his reputation and
caused others to question his mental health.