Accompanied by a certificate issued by Mrs. Sylvia Amorsolo-Lazo for confirming the authenticity of this lot

Provenance: Provenance: Private Collection, U.S.A

ABOUT THE WORK

Twentieth-century Filipino master artist Fernando Amorsolo is known for his fascination with Philippine folklore, among other images of the distinct past. In his lifetime (and to this day), Amorsolo’s masterpieces were sought after by local and international collectors because his paintings represented the best and most memorable aspects of Philippine life. One of his favored subjects is the heroine of Pangasinan folklore, Princess Urduja. The beautiful and courageous daughter of the Rajah, Princess Urduja is assisted by her attendant who is toweling her dark, black hair. The princess’ high social status is hinted by her fine red skirt, gold armlets, and barter ring-shaped earrings. The overall background or setting, with historic objects such as the jar and long string of pearls in the opened porcelain box, displays a faithful visualization of pre-Hispanic times. Here, one can see that Amorsolo would do research to achieve preciseness in his depicted subjects and objects. Also noticeable is the refreshing simplicity of his treatment in depicting a lovely maiden with her hair loose and undone as well as her skin with a characteristic glow— unblemished but not likened to the white complexion associated with Western women subjects.