FERNANDO CUETO AMORSOLO | Woman With A Basket Of Mangoes

Private Collection, USA

The work is in good condition overall as viewed. Upon close observation, spots of paint losses are found next to the woman's thigh, below the signature and bottom left corner (on the tree root next to the dress). There is evidence of hairline craquelures on the mangoes, the woman's nose area and above the shoulders. Examination under ultraviolet light shows some minuscule spots of touch ups sprinkled on the top edge, the woman's head and shoulders, bottom left corner and along the right edge. However, this is not visible with the naked eye. 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."

In his career, Amorsolo painted the recurring subject of three women in the shade of a mango tree, seeking reprieve from harvest work. However, each time, with an expert rendering of light, he would reimagine the scenes occurring at different times of the day. Indeed, Amorsolo was a master of light and color—many credited the maestro with discovering the nuances of the Philippine sunlight. In areas of shadow, where older artists would have veiled with dark strokes, vibrant colors blossomed; Where the glare of the Philippine sunlight fell upon his models' face to blot out their features, he would simply use accents to highlight their qualities. In the present lot, the fading light of the evening sun filters through the tree leaves, dotting the surroundings with sepia tones. Amorsolo performs a close study of the woman seated daintily on the tree roots carrying a basket of mangoes. The woman's gentle appearance is Amorsolo's glorification and idealization of Filipina beauty, the dalagang Filipina. Flushed apple cheeks, a sensual mouth and lively eyes are carved into her rounded face. Rays of evening sun kiss the basket of pears, and brush against her theatrically puffy-sleeved native costume, bringing out the contours of its folds.

Woman Holding a Basket of Mangoes is the epitome of Amorsolo's genre painting. Inspired by his childhood, where he spent the first thirteen years of life frolicking in rolling rice fields, he famously depicts rustic, idyllic landscapes and laboring common people. One can easily feel his strong attachment to his roots and people. The present lot was created during the early 1930s, described as Amorsolo's "golden period". As the country's first National Artist, and the most popular Filipino artist in history, his dominance of the local art scene spanned three decades. Even today, Amorsolo's works permeate all parts of Filipino society. Brimming with charm, and displaying the finesse of Amorsolo's brushwork, Woman Holding a Basket of Mangoes is strong evidence of why the legendary artist continues to be revered.