Portrait of Fernanda De Jesus

Spotted: "Vange Domingo" on Pinterest, after Google Image Search

Fernando Cueto Amorsolo, born 30 May 1892, was the first National Artist proclaimed by the government in 1973. He had a younger brother who also was a painter, Pablo, and his first cousin was another prominent artist, Fabian Dela Rosa. Amorsolo is known to have popularized the ideal Dalagang Pilipina (Filipino maiden):

Of great influence was his ideal feminine type: the smiling young woman of fair complexion and slender figure, wearing a colorful native costume which showed no sign of wear and tear from work and the tropical weather. He idealized the peasant, whom he situated in a rural idyll where nature was ever bountiful and hunger and strife were unknown.

Tried to look for online information regarding the subject of "Portrait of Fernanda De Jesus." I haven't encountered any information about the person, but this work, which was in private collection, was auctioned by Christie's for almost three million Hong Kong dollars. International Hibiscus Society also noted that there were hibiscus included in the bilao (tray) of flowers.

This closes liwaliw Visuals for the month of May 2018 that had a floral theme in relation to Flores de Mayo, and also celebrated birth anniversaries of select Filipino artists.

Reference: Javellana, R.B. and A.G. Guillermo, "Amorsolo, Fernando Cueto," CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art, Volume IV, Philippine Visual Arts (Manila: Cultural Center of the Philippines, 1994), pages 307 to 308.


[This post is antedated]