110th Birth Anniversary of Carlos “Botong” Francisco

Posted on:  |  Keith Reburiano

The #NationalMuseumPH celebrates the 110th birth anniversary of National Artist for Painting Carlos Villaluz Francisco (1912-1969), also known as ‘Botong.’ Born #OnThisDay in Angono, Rizal, Botong is famous for his large-scale historical paintings. 

Today we feature an oil painting of Carlos ‘Botong’ Francisco entitled “The First Mass in Limasawa.” In 1965, the Philippine Government commissioned Francisco to create this work of art to commemorate the 400th year of the introduction of Christianity in the country. It is currently on exhibit at the Pillars of Philippine Modernism Hall at the National Museum of Fine Arts.

This painting depicts the first mass celebrated in Limasawa Island in present day-Southern Leyte, officiated by Fr. Pedro Valderrama, the official chaplain of the Magellan expedition. He led the first mass as requested by Ferdinand Magellan in an improvised altar and a platform made of bamboo. Fr. Valderrama is depicted in this painting raising his hands in prayer. Magellan, in the foreground with a sword or a saber, piously bows his head. With Magellan is Antonio Pigafetta, his official chronicler, kneeling in prayer and adoration. The chieftain of the Island, Rajah Kolambo, and his brother, Rajah Siagu also joined in the mass. 

National Artist for Painting Carlos ‘Botong’ Francisco made some of the most significant large-scale paintings in the Philippines for nearly three decades. As a scenographer for a major film studio in the Philippines, he was well-acquainted with rendering Philippine festivals, customs and traditions, and important historical events. In 1973, the government conferred him the National Artist for Painting.

Some of Carlos Francisco’s works may be viewed at Gallery XIX, Pillars of Modernism, and at the Old Senate Session Hall of the National Museum of Fine Arts.  The #NationalMuseumPH is open to the public for free.  You may also visit the link for the 360-degrees virtual tour of the select nine galleries at the National Museum of Fine Arts: http://pamana.ph/ncr/manila/NMFA360.html

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Article by NMP Fine Arts Division. Photo by Bengy Toda

© National Museum of the Philippines (2022)