Birth Anniversary of Fernando Cueto Amorsolo
May 30, 1892 – April 24, 1972

As we approach the close of our National Heritage Month, we celebrate the life of the country’s first-declared National Artist, Fernando Cueto Amorsolo who was born #OnThisDay, 130 years ago, in 1892 in Paco, Manila.

Known as the “Grand Old Man of Philippine Art” because of his masterful use of light and dark colors and depiction of the “Philippine sunlight”. His paintings of Philippine landscapes, Filipino maiden, rural folks and traditions, and portraits, made him one of the most sought-after artists during his time and even after his passing on April 24, 1972. His masterpieces, some exhibited inside the galleries and in one of the hallways of the National Museum of Fine Arts (NMFA), continue to enthrall and inspire viewers.

At the Museum Foundation of the Philippines (MFP) Hall, Gallery X of NMFA is his 1950 oil on canvas, “Tinikling” from the collection of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). It is one of Amorsolo’s eight artworks from the GSIS collection included in a special exhibition launched last April for his 50th death anniversary. To know more about this exhibition and the artist, click this link: https://bit.ly/3lEHduf

The theme for #NHM2022, “Pamanang Lokal: Binhi ng Kulturang Pilipino,” underscores the importance of preserving and promoting local heritage within the community. Tinkling, one of the country’s most popular folk dances, has its name and movements derived from “tikling” or the Barred Rail (Gallirallus torquatus or Hypotaenidia torquata). It is a bird that jumps over bamboo traps set by farmers and is commonly found on wetlands and agricultural lands.

Illustrated in the core of this painting are two dancers dancing the Tinikling, gracefully jumping over and between bamboo poles held by four women. On the right side of the canvas is a group of men playing music. A carabao-drawn-sled on the left side stops by as the passengers (mother and child) watch the merriment.

As we end this year’s NHM, the #NationalMuseumPH thanks you all for your continued support of our public programs. Rest assured that we remain committed to acquiring, documenting, preserving, exhibiting, and protecting our national heritage for generations to come.

Text by NMP-FAD
Photo by Bengy Toda III
© National Museum of the Philippines (2022)