FERNANDO CUETO AMORSOLO (Filipino, 1892-1972)

To compose images such as Bathing and Laundry by the River (Lot 3397) , Amorsolo frequently employed a female model to pose in his studio, ensuring he would achieve precise physical proportions, and capture the graceful attitudes of a slim, exposed back, partially turned head or upraised arms. Following this, he would fill in the background with a superb mastery of depicting light, shade and moving water. The final touch, particularly seen in The Harvesters (Lot 3394) would be lively interaction between the figures, lending warmth and charm to the Philippine character archetypes - the beautiful muses, vigorous farmers, rice harvesters, mango growers, and cheerful family members.