Lot description
Lying Nude signed and dated 1947 (lower right) oil on canvas 16" x 20" (41 cm x 51 cm) Accompanied by a certificate issued by Mrs. Sylvia Amorsolo-Lazo confirming the authenticity of this lot \ PROVENANCE: Private collection, USA Renowned for his sunlit, bucolic landscapes celebrating the glorious Philippine countryside, Fernando Amorsolo’s artistry extends to a multitudinous collection of portraits and nude paintings. Yet, the Amorsolo “light” remains a constant, infusing his works with a serene tranquility, regardless of the subject matter. Living in a predominantly Roman Catholic and highly religious country, the public display of the female body, even a tiny slip of skin, is considered an act of indecency. However, Amorsolo has a flair for preserving his Filipina maiden’s dignity; their portrayal was not to gratify nor entice the spectator. Often depicted living in seclusion or having her body turned away from the viewers while preoccupied with her tasks, Amorsolo’s women, from Cid Reyes’ description, “still conveys an innate modesty and decency, propriety and grace.” Lying Nude is a conspicuous demonstration of Amorsolo’s great finesse in the art field. Embodying his romantic style, his fine brush strokes and skilled colorwork enliven this composition, evoking a deep and aesthetic appreciation of the female body. Moreover, this theme of Amorsolo’s works exudes a great sense of empowerment and confidence within his subjects. “Though shorn of her clothes, she did not feel naked, was comfortable in her own skin, with not a tinge of guilt or shame suggested in her body language,” Cid Reyes notes on Amorsolo’s nude paintings. (Jessica Magno)
