稻米收成

Honoured as the First National Artist of the Philippines, Fernando Cueto Amorsolo stands out as one the most pioneering and important late 19th Century artists in the annals of Philippine Art. His most notable works depict romanticised landscapes of the countryside and the people’s way of life. Although born into the era of war, Amorsolo was a keen documenter of the ‘happier’ times; and as such most of his paintings exuded a tranquil tone and were painted in soothing colour temperatures. He was also known to use the backlighting technique chiaroscuro (which he pioneered) to mimic natural light in his works. Although Amorsolo was born in Paco, Manila, he lived abroad in Spain and New York for some time. These places and the art aficionados he interacted with shaped his artistic oeuvre over the years. Amorsolo also taught at the University of Philippines for close to 38 years, during which he nurtured numerous students; some of whom later became successful artists themselves. His enduring legacy continues to inspire decades later.

Harvesting Rice painted in 1961 expresses the symbolic fertility of the country's rich landscape, and is a tribute to rice as a source of nourishment not to be taken for granted. The subject fosters a sense of togetherness rooted in ideals of community spirit that held the people together through the tumultuous years of the war. Other comparable works are Harvesting Rice (Landscape) (1948) and Planting Rice (1952) published in the artist’s book Lupang Hinirang on page 92 and 97 respectively. Strong symbolism with familiar imagery is an anchoring characteristic of Amorsolo’s works; his brilliance will be graced by the appreciation of generations to come.