Unlocking History Through Art

• Art provides insights into the past, helps visualize historical events, and connects people across time and places.
• Art reveals the significance of religion and the evolution of landscapes and cities.
• Studying art history allows one to connect with the past and find inspirations to shape a better future.

Six Ways of Unlocking History Through Art

• Art can broaden understanding of historical events through a visual medium.
• Art allows insight into the lives of ancestors and connects people through the artist's perspective.
• Art provides insights into the religious beliefs and practices of past cultures.
• Art is a time capsule that provides a visual record of past societies.
• Examining details in artwork provides insight into the lives and values of different eras.
• Art records the evolution of landscapes and cities before industrialization and modern development.
• Studying foreign art provides insights into the history, culture, and worldviews of different nations.

Works of Juan Luna

• Juan Luna was a pioneering Filipino artist.
• He gained international acclaim and recognition at the 1878 National Exposition of Fine Arts in Madrid.

Spoliarium

• Spoliarium won a gold medal at the Exposicion General de Bellas Artes in Madrid in 1884.
• The painting is set in a Roman circus and depicts gladiators and grieving families.
• It is a reflection of the Philippines under Spanish colonial rule, critiquing the oppressive government and the suffering of Filipinos.
• The painting conveys a longing for freedom and justice.
• Spoliarium is believed to have inspired Filipinos to resist Spanish colonial domination.

El Pacto de Sangre (The Blood Compact)

• El Pacto de Sangre depicts the Blood Compact of 1565 between Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.
• The painting portrays Sikatuna in a way that emphasizes the sophistication of native Filipino culture.
• It includes figures like Legazpi, Fray Andres de Urdaneta, and Felipe de Salcedo.
• Juan Luna aimed to show a harmonious relationship between the Spanish colonizers and indigenous Filipinos.
• Details such as Sikatuna's attire showcase the richness and sophistication of Filipino culture.

The Parisian Life (Interior d'un Cafi)

• The Parisian Life was created during Luna's time in Paris, marking a shift in his artistic style with a lighter, vibrant palette.
• The painting gained widespread recognition in Europe and established Luna as a prominent figure in society.
• Interpretation suggests that the woman represents the Philippines, and her appearance symbolizes the country’s suffering under Spanish rule.

Works of Fernando Amorsolo

• Fernando Amorsolo, grew up in the countryside.
• He was recognized as the "Grand Old Man of Philippine Art".
• He perfected his signature backlight technique.

The Makin of Philippine Flag

• The Makin of Philippine Flag showcases flag design.
• The artwork highlights the crucial contribution of women to the revolution.

The Bathers

• The Bathers, demonstrated talent with abstract art on the rise.
• Amorsolo's depictions of sunlight dancing on water displayed his skill.

The Filipino Family

• The Filipino Family (1952) symbolizes post-war Philippines, with a man and child representing the young nation recovering from World War II.
• The wife represents liberty and the three boatmen symbolize the determination to build a prosperous future.

Their Contributions

• Juan Luna and Fernando Amorsolo expressed their love for the country through their art.
• Their masterpieces garnered local acclaim and brought international recognition to the Philippines.

Political Caricature of the American Era 1900-1941

• Dr. Alfred W. McCoy researches Southeast Asian history.
• His expertise spans modern empires, Philippine political history, and the global opium trade.
• Caricature is a form of artistic exaggeration that expresses opinions and critiques the issues of the time.
• McCoy and Roces created visual commentary on the political and social climate of the time in the Philippines during the American colonial era.

Political Cartoons

• A cartoon from The Independent in 1916 satirized a power struggle between politicians.
• A cartoon by Fernando Amorsolo in The Independent in 1917 criticized the Manila Police Department.
• Another cartoon in The Independent in 1915 satirized American colonial influence in the Philippines.
• A cartoon in the Philippine Free Press addressed the growing problem of colorum vehicles and public concern over fatal accidents.
• The cartoon from Lipang Kalabaw in 1907 satirized the intense competition among political parties for American patronage.

Analysis of Political Caricatures during the American Period

• The transition to American colonial rule transformed Philippine society, politics, and culture.
• Modernizations in healthcare, transportation, and media fostered a more open press.
• The benefits of independence and subsequent economic ties with the U.S. were unevenly distributed.
• Cartoons reveal challenges faced by Filipinos in adapting to American-style democracy.
• Cartoons expose the nature of American control through influencing Filipino culture and mindset.