Fernando Cueto Amorsolo

Achievements

- (b. 1892, d. 1972) was the Philippines’ first National Artist and is officially recognized as the
“Grand Old Man of Philippine Art” because of his masterful use of light and dark colors and
depiction of the “Philippine sunlight”
- - Fernando Amorsolo y Cueto was born in 1892 and passed away in 1972.
- - He is recognized as the Philippines' first National Artist and is referred to as the "Grand Old
Man of Philippine Art."
- - Amorsolo is known for his trademark luminosity and his ability to depict the iconic provincial
Filipina in his paintings.
- - His artworks often feature scenes set in glowing rural landscapes, such as farmers in rice fields,
women sorting through mangoes, and vibrant society portraits.
- - In 1909, he graduated with honors from the Art School of the Liceo De Manila.
- - He then enrolled in the UP Diliman College of Fine Arts at the age of seventeen and was
mentored by his uncle, Fabian de la Rosa, who was a prominent Philippine painter.
- - In 1916, he graduated with honors and received a sponsorship from Spanish businessman
Enrique Zóbel de Ayala to study at the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando in Madrid,
Spain.
- - After returning to Manila, Amorsolo produced numerous paintings during the 1920s and 1930s.
- - He also taught at his alma mater, the UP Diliman College of Fine Arts, and served as the
Director of the school's art department from 1938 to 1952.
- - Amorsolo received several accolades, including a UNESCO Gold Medal of Recognition, a Rizal-
Pro Patria Award from the Far Eastern University, and a Gawad CCP para sa Sining Award from
the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
- - His legacy continues through the Fernando C. Amorsolo Art Foundation, which was established
in his honor by his children in 2003.
Fernando Amorsolo | Ateneo Art Gallery

Important Details about Fernando Cueto Amorsolo:

1. Artistic Techniques: Amorsolo utilized natural and backlighting techniques in his paintings and
sketches, creating a distinct visual style.

2. Subjects of His Art: His most well-known works include portrayals of dalagang Filipina (Filipino
maiden), landscapes of the Filipino homeland, portraits, and WWII war scenes.

3. Early Life and Education: Born in Paco, Manila, on May 20, 1892, Amorsolo began drawing and
sketching as a young boy. He studied art under Don Fabian dela Rosa in Manila after the death of his
father.

4. Academic Background: Amorsolo studied at the Liceo de Manila and graduated from the University of
the Philippines in 1914. He later received a grant to attend the Academia de San Fernando in Madrid in
1916.

5. Influences: During his time in Madrid, Amorsolo was influenced by renowned painter Diego Velasquez,
which contributed to his painting style.
6. WWII and Changing Themes: During World War II, Amorsolo continued to paint from his home in
Manila, shifting from landscapes to depict human suffering, wartime scenes, self-portraits, and Japanese
occupation soldiers.

7. Exhibitions: Many of Amorsolo's wartime paintings were showcased in the Malacanang presidential
palace in 1948.

8. Post-War Works: After the war, he returned to painting landscapes and portraits, including oil portraits
of Philippine presidents, General Emilio Aguinaldo, and General Douglas MacArthur.

9. Cataloging and Technique: Due to the popularity of his works, Amorsolo cataloged them and
developed a technique to paint more efficiently to meet the demand.

10. Diverse Career: Throughout his life, Amorsolo held various roles, including instructor, draftsman for
the Public Works, chief artist for the Pacific Commercial Company, and illustrator for children's books and
magazines. He also served as Director at the School of Fine Arts before retiring in the early 1950s.

11. Late Years and Personal Life: Despite declining health, Amorsolo continued painting in his twilight
years. He was married twice and had 13 children. He passed away on April 24, 1972, from a heart attack.

Fernando Amorsolo - Artists - Spellman Gallery