A rare painting by Fernando Amorsolo, the Philippines’ National Artist for Visual Arts, was recently unveiled at Sentro Filipino in San Francisco, USA.
As Filipinos, we are well-acquainted with the legacy of Amorsolo, fondly known as the “Grand Old Man of Philippine Art.” His groundbreaking use of impressionistic techniques, combined with his masterful application of lighting and backlighting, not only played a pivotal role in the evolution of Philippine art but also shaped Filipino perceptions of self and identity.
THE PAINTING
The 1947 painting was originally a gift from Fernando Amorsolo to his American friend, Harry Salet and his family. It has now been generously donated to Sentro Filipino by Salet’s great-grandchildren, Anna and Luke Fadem.
The artwork reflects Amorsolo’s signature style, capturing a scene of rural life in the Philippines. The focal point is a woman seated gracefully on tree roots, holding a basket of mangoes. Amorsolo’s close study of the subject showcases his idealization of Filipina beauty, often referred to as the “Dalagang Filipina.” Her soft, rounded face, with flushed cheeks, a sensual mouth, and lively eyes, embodies Amorsolo’s glorification of feminine grace.
SAVING AMORSOLO’S LEGACY
According to the donors, the painting’s return to the Filipino community was the final wish of their late aunt. In an interview, Anna Fadem expressed her thoughts: “I just didn’t want it to end up in a museum with tens of thousands of other paintings, where it might be stored in a basement and forgotten. It makes me so happy that it will be here—this will be its new home, and I don’t think it could have a better place to be.”
The painting’s official title remains uncertain. Sentro Filipino has unofficially named it Woman with Mangoes, though other sources have referred to it as Woman Holding a Basket of Mangoes or Woman Under the Mango Tree.
