NBI Recovers Stolen Painting by Fernando Amorsolo
FERNANDO AMORSOLO PAINTING – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has successfully recovered the stolen painting “Mango Harvesters” by the renowned Filipino artist.
Fernando Amorsolo was a renowned Filipino portraitist and painter celebrated for his vivid depictions of rural Philippine landscapes. Known as the “Grand Old Man of Philippine Art,” he was the first National Artist of the Philippines, recognized for his innovative use of impressionistic techniques and mastery of lighting, particularly backlighting.
Born in Paco, Manila, Amorsolo began his artistic journey under the guidance of his uncle, Don Fabián de la Rosa, also a painter. He honed his skills at the University of the Philippines and abroad, influenced by European masters like Joaquín Sorolla and Diego Velázquez. Amorsolo’s paintings, characterized by their luminous portrayal of Philippine scenes and traditional customs, became iconic representations of Filipino identity.
Throughout his prolific career, he produced over 10,000 works, including historical pieces and portraits of notable figures. Amorsolo’s legacy continues to influence Filipino artistry, preserved notably at the Jorge B. Vargas Museum in Manila and through the Fernando C. Amorsolo Art Foundation, established by his children to promote his artistic vision and preserve his cultural impact.
Meanwhile, the “Mango Harvesters” by Fernando Amorsolo has been recovered by the NBI after the 88-year-old painting was stolen from a museum in Silay, Negros Occidental on July 3rd. It has been authenticated and returned to the National Museum. Originally part of the Hofileña Museum’s collection, the painting holds historical significance as it was created by Amorsolo, a National Artist celebrated for his depictions of Filipino rural life.
According to reports, the theft occurred during a museum tour, where a suspect discreetly removed the painting from the wall and concealed it in a bag before leaving the premises undetected. The Hofileña Museum, established in 1934 by Manuel Severino Hofileña and Gilda Ledesma Hojilla, is renowned for its private collection featuring artworks by prominent Filipino artists like Amorsolo, Juan Luna, and Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo. The recovery of “Mango Harvesters” marks a significant achievement for cultural preservation efforts, ensuring that valuable pieces of Filipino heritage are safeguarded and returned to public appreciation.
