3 Paintings of

Juan Luna
and Fernando
Amorsolo
Group 3 BSA-1B
BACKGROUND
Juan Luna (1857-1899)
First recognized Philippine artist
Filipino painter, sculptor, and political activist of the Philippine Revolution
Earned Bachelor of Arts degree in Ateneo Municipal de Manila
His interest and passion for art were influenced by his older brother.
Enrolled at Escuela Nautica de Manila (Philippine Merchant Marine Academy)
and became a sailor.
Pursued his passion for arts in Academia de Dibujo y Pintura where he was
discharged early.
Studied painting at Escuela de Bellas Artes de San Fernando in Madrid, Spain.
There he excelled in classical style.
His private teacher, Alejo Vera, took Juan Luna to Rome to undertake certain
commissions.
His artistic talents was established in 1878 with the opening of the first art
exposition in Madrid, called the Exposicion Nacional de Bellas Artes.
BACKGROUND
Fernando Amorsolo (1892-1972)

Philippines' First National Artist

"Grand Old Man of Philippine Art"
He was a portraitist and painter of Rural Philippine Landscape. He is popularly
known for his craftmanship and mastery in the use of light.
At 13, he became an apprenticed to Don Fabian de la Rosa, who would
eventually became the advocate and guide to Amorsolo's painting career.
Studied at the Art School of the Liceo de Manila and at the University of the
Philippines School of Fine Arts.
Worked as draftsman at the Bureau of Public Works, as a chief Artist at the
Public Commercial Company, and as a part-time instructor in the University of
the Philippines for 38 years.
He studied at the Escuela de San Fernando in Madrid.
He went to New York and discovered the works of the postwar impressionist and
cubist, who became the major influence on his works.
CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS
Paintings of Juan Luna
1884-1892 Philippines is under the Spanish Colonization

Spoliarium (1884)
During this period (Romantic Era), artist's paintings
gave more emphasis on emotions and revolt against
the social and political norms of the age of
enlightenment.
Book “Rome in the Time of Augustus; Adventure of
Gaul in Rome” by Charles Louis Dezobry

The Blood Compact (1886)

During this time, Luna was involved in the
Propaganda movement together with his friend Jose
Rizal and Trinidad Pardo de Teresa, while he was
studying art education in Europe.
CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS
Paintings of Juan Luna

The Parisian Life (1892)

The period in Luna’s career in painting shifted from
dark to light known as post-academic or the Parisian
period. At the same time, the last year of Luna’s own
Parisian Life
CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS
Paintings of Fernando Amorsolo

The Making of the Philippine Flag

Spanish colonial control of the Philippines continued until
1898, it ended when the United States took possession of the
islands as a territory after winning the Spanish-American
War.

Rice Planting (1922)

Painters during that time also dabbled into advertising and
book design, new forms brought by the Americans. Amorsolo
made several book and magazine cover designs.
CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS
Paintings of Fernando Amorsolo

Antipolo Fiesta (1947)

After the devastation of World War II came the period for
rebuilding. A new Republic was in place. Different art
forms emerged and became popular like printmaking.
The conflict between the conservative Amorsolo School
and the Modernists continued.
 CONTENT ANALYIS
Paintings of Juan Luna

Spolarium
Portrays chaotic scene.
A crowd of men are cheering and spectating the "bloody sight".
A fallen and dying gladiator were being dragged by the roman
oppressors into the "unknown", hence to the background.
An old man is holding a torch perhaps looking for his relatives and a
woman was weeping on the floor maybe because of her relative also.

The Blood Compact

(Also known as "El Pacto de Sangre ")
Portrays the blood compact ritual between Rajah Sikatuna, and
Miguel Lopez de Legazpi who is accompanied by other conquistadors.
CONTENT ANALYIS
Paintings of Juan Luna

The Parisian Life

(also known as "Interior d'un Cafe" )

Displays "relaxed" and "playful" mood.

Portrays a scene of a young good looking woman wearing a
pink lavender dress and a hat decorated with flower inside a
coffee shop in Paris.
The woman who was seating with an outstretched arm and is
identified as a prostitute.
The three men behind the woman was said to be Luna himself,
Dr. Ariston Bautista Lin ad Dr. Jose P. Rizal.
A man's coat and hat were beside the woman, a mug was in
front of her and a newspaper was behind her back.
 CONTENT ANALYIS
Paintings of Fernando Amorsolo

The Making of the Philippine Flag

features three women named Marcella Agoncillo, Lorenzana Agoncillo and
Josefina Herbosa Natividad.
the three women are sewing the National Flag of the Philippines.
these women are wearing vintage and traditional clothes of the Philippines.
the setting of the painting is inside a house made of wood.
the Philippine flag that the three women are sewing has the sun with eight
rays, the stars, and it’s color also consist of blue, red and white.

Planting Rice (1922)

shows people planting rice.
the clothes of the people in the picture are all traditional clothes.
the background of the painting is a mountain.
shows the main occupation of the Filipinos.
shows how Filipinos work hard to earn a living.
the painting reflect Filipinos are hard working.
CONTENT ANALYIS
Paintings of Fernando Amorsolo

Antipolo Fiesta (1947)

shows the simple lifestyle of the Filipinos.
shows how Filipino celebrate fiesta and other celebrations.
in the upper part of the painting, there is a church which is represent
the Antipolo church and there is a house on the right with a
hanging lantern or known as “parol”.
there are people dancing, preparing the roasted pig or the “lechon”
and the painting shows various fruits and vegetables.
the people are wearing baro’t saya.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE GRAND NARRATIVES TO PHILIPPINE
HISTORY (PAINTINGS OF JUAN LUNA)

Gave recognition to Philippine art His paintings show the Philippines in a

when he received a gold medal in disturbed state during the Spanish
Exposicion de Bellas Artes revolution

Luna’s paintings symbolize his pride Aid to provoke Filipinos to rise from
in pre-Spanish and pre-conquest the Spanish cruelty.
culture contrary to the situation
during his time.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE GRAND NARRATIVES TO PHILIPPINE
HISTORY (PAINTINGS OF FERNANDO AMORSOLO)

He gave emphasis on the formation Amorsolo’s paintings showed little or

of Filipino national identity during no indication of war’s atrocities
the American colonial rule. which continued to be favored by the
colonizers.

Developed the backlighting He created his artworks to show the

technique (chiaroscuro), which true values of Filipinos and were
became his artistic trademark. intended to exhibit the Filipinos’
characteristics glow.
RELEVANCE (JUAN LUNA)
A tool to help Filipinos awaken from A primary source of evidence of what
their ignorance, blindness, mental happened during those times.
darkness, and oppression. That paves
the road for us to reclaim our
independence from the conquerors of
our dear homeland.

Provides a historical context for More than just a painting, it is also a

interrogating the present, which has been source of inspiration for many
purposefully ignored because it has Filipinos especially for the aspiring
become the source and cause of the Filipino artists.
country's wounds.
RELEVANCE (Fernando Amorsolo)

Amorsolo's works have underlying Not only do the paintings recognize

significance to Filipino culture and fellow-being and nationhood,
exhibit the structure of Filipino Amorsolo’s artworks are also
values. They also remind the Filipinos considered as references or first-
of the traditions and customs at that hand accounts for Philippine history.
time, and of the Filipino practices that
seem to be fading over time.

The paintings provide analysis of the His works portray nationalistic

past and play a crucial role in emotions, feelings, and spirits of the
preserving and transforming Filipino people, showing the Filipino
national identity. citizens of the traits or qualities they
should possess.
References
Juan Luna Facts, Worksheets, Early Life & Artistic Career For Kids. March 5, 2021. Retrieved from https://kidskonnect.com/people/juan-luna/

Fernando Amorsolo - Biography. Retrieved from https://biography.yourdictionary .com/fernando-amorsolo

https://www.tatlerasia.com/culture/arts/the-tragic-life-and-legacy-of-filipino-painter-juan-luna

https://www.iseas.edu.sg/media/event-highlights/reflections-on-the-spanish-conquest-and-its-representation-in-the-philippines-el-pacto-de-sangre-
1886-the-blood-compact-by-juan-luna-1857-1899-2/

A collection of some of Juan Luna's masterpieces. (n.d.) Retrieved September 22, 2021 from https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/1315/a-
collection-of-some-of-juan-lunas-masterpieces

Galleto R. F.(n.d.) Works of Juan Luna and Fernando Amorsolo. Retrieved September 20, 2021 from
https://www.scribd.com/presentation/480082326/Works-of-Juan-Luna-and-Fernando-Amorsolo

Racelis L.(2014). Parisian Life. Retrieved September 21, 2021 from https://prezi.com/bkru8psysekn/parisian-life

https://www.geringerart.com/artists/fernando-cueto-amorsolo/
https://www.tobinreese.com/fernando-amorsolo.html

https://www.google.com/amp/s/opinion.inquirer.net/63541/bohol-and-the-blood-compact/amp
https://tawidnewsmag.com/cache-juan-luna-parisian-life/

https://opinion.inquirer.net/95651/reading-paintings-as-history
 References
FilipiKnow (2020). “Flag Of Our Mothers”: Little-Known Facts About The Trio Who Made The Philippine Flag. Retrieved from https://filipiknow.net/philippine-
flag/

Valdeavilla, R. (2017). “What Does The Philippine Flag Symbolise?”. Retrieved from https://theculturetrip.com/asia/philippines/articles/what-does-the-
philippine-flag-symbolise/

Fernando C. Amorsolo Art Foundation (2009). “Erratum for “Antipolo Fiesta””. Retrieved from http://www.fernandocamorsolo.com/mfca_erratum/

The Manila Times (2021). “1521-2021: 500 Years of cross-cultural encounters”. Retrieved from https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/03/10/public-square/5021-
2021-500-years-of-cross-cultural-encounters/849373
MEMBERS:
Arcilla, Jasmin M.
Azuela, Mark Jhon
Bataller, Sheila Mae G.
Miraran, Jessa Mae C.
Pagaduan, Melody H.
Redillas, Edhen
Rentoy, Linette M.
Ropa, Nino Ray
Watiwat, Bella Nicole C.