Painting by Fernando Amorsolo Stolen in Negros Occidental
FERNANDO AMORSOLO – A painting by the National Artist was stolen from the Hofileña Museum in Silay City, Negros Occidental, on Wednesday, July 3. The museum has appealed to the public for help in locating the masterpiece titled “Mango Harvesters.”
According to Gerle Sulmaca, the city tourism officer, the artwork was discovered missing in the morning by a tour guide. Closed-circuit television footage reportedly shows a man and a woman taking the painting away from the museum’s second floor in Brgy. 1.
Local police are coordinating with the Bacolod City Police Office to track down the suspects. The value of the painting has not been disclosed. The Silay city administration has announced a reward of P25,000 for anyone who can provide information that helps retrieve the artwork.
Meanwhile, 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, a fellow 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.