PROPERTY FROM THE LITTON FAMILY COLLECTION

ABOUT THE WORK

One of the founders of the “School of Botong” composed of RizalLaguna artists, Tam Austria is celebrated for his distinct folk genre works of human interest. Art critic Alice Guillermo said: “Indeed, one can say that Austria is a true descendant of his town mate, the National Artist Carlos Francisco known for his amazing natural and intuitive painting skills. Austria’s paintings in oil on canvas are marked by a spontaneous linear energy, which possesses a narrative as its own, which in combination with color, is powered with a true creative energy.” His oil paintings of rural scenes, local legends, the mother and child, and common folk are highly detailed and engaging to the eye. Austria’s astute sense of composition is founded in his meticulous attention to detail and masterful skills in figuration and realism. In this early oil painting, a farmer on guard sees to it that no one will raid his carabaos and harvest.