León Gallery wishes to thank Mrs. Sylvia Amorsolo-Lazo for confirming the authenticity of this lot.

Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist

ABOUT THE WORK

This portrait of Agapito Castro in his Masonic uniform was commissioned by his daughter Maria Buenaventura Castro– Espinosa from the artist Fernando Cueto Amorsolo in 1948. It shows Agapito wearing the cap and the neckpiece of the Masonic Temple of the Scottish Rite. Although he was a proud Freemason, Agapito would have never allowed himself to be depicted as such, in accordance with the understatement, discretion, and secrecy favored by the organization. It took his daughter Maria, unaware of Freemason tenets, to commission an oil portrait of her father in all his Scottish Rite glory, precisely because he was proud of his affiliation. Agapito Castro married Antonia Buenaventura and they were the parents of Maria Buenaventura Castro–Espinosa, a remarkable entrepreneur who waxed very rich during World War II in Manila. Freemasonry is a worldwide fraternity of upright men who believe in a paternal God and the unity of mankind. It offers a path for the upright man to advance himself --- self–improvement, enlightenment, higher life purpose --- through the Masonic system of degrees, symbols, and fraternal opportunities. The three values of Freemasonry are Fraternal Love, Relief, and Truth. Much like the system of development in medieval stonemasonry guilds, the three ceremonial degrees of Freemasonry are Entered Apprentice (Youth), Fellow Craft (Manhood), and Master Mason (Old Age). The best –known symbols of Freemasonry are the square and compasses which symbolize morality, honesty, and fairness with others. Freemasonry is not a religion; it is not meant to replace one’s faith, family, or lifework; instead, it is an affirmative environment which encourages every brother of his responsibilities towards oneself, family, community, and the Supreme Architect (the Supreme Being). (by Augusto Marcelino Reyes Gonzalez III)