Fernando Cueto Amorsolo

Private Collection, New York

This painting is in good condition overall. The canvas is clean and taut. Upon close observation, indication of light wear and handling was apparent, along with a hairline abrasion near the upper left margin. There are craquelures scattered on the surface of the canvas, but primarily on the white clouds and on the bottom right register (brown paint). But the paint layers are stable and well-preserved. During the ultraviolet light inspection, restoration was found in general, particularly on the right register and middle left, such as on the trees (left register), the seated figure (left register) and the margins. Framed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

"On another level, as noted by many, it was Amorsolo who discovered the quality of Philippine sunlight. More accurately, it was the shadow areas he painted with a richness of colors that previous artists had simply obscured with dark scumble. The full burst of Philippine sunlight, which actually washes out color and produces a blinding glare, he added only as accents to bring out a nude's form, or highlight a dalagang's face, or to balance the composition with patches of light in the distance. The backlighted subject was Amorsolo's method of depicting Philippine light. The color-richness of his shadow areas are what exude the quality of Philippine light. It would be more accurate to state that Amorsolo discovered and depicted the true colors of Philippine shade."

 

ALFREDO R. ROCES, AMORSOLO, FILIPINAS FOUNDATION, INC., PHILIPPINES, 1975, P.197.