Provenance: Provenance: Private Collection, Manila

ABOUT THE WORK

The image of a mother and a child, as a theme for visual art, is generally moving and thought-provoking. Many known Filipino artists are drawn to the message of upbringing and the immeasurable love of a mother. This theme is prevalent in the history of Philippine art, being depicted across styles and mediums. The mother and child theme is also taken up by pioneer Filipino sculptor Napoleon Abueva. His mother-andchild works are also one of his most famous and notable creations. In his sculptures, the child is usually held dearly by the mother, also clinging into her. As for this marbleon-wood sculpture, the figure of the mother lying down is a unique feature. The facial features of the woman, especially her smile, shows a mother’s joy upon carrying and raising her child. It reminds one of a kind of love, care, and attention only mothers can give. A native of Bohol, Abueva is the youngest National Artist, being conferred with such high distinction for Sculpture in 1976 at the age of 46. He is also considered the Father of Modern Sculpture, utilizing almost all kinds of hardwood and metal, and is responsible for introducing the “buoyant sculpture” meant to be appreciated from the placid pool’s surface. He graduated with a fine arts degree in Sculpture at the UP School of Fine Arts in 1953, and through scholarship grants, he pursued further studies in Harvard University, among other institutions. His lasting contributions and legacy in the local sculpture scene are recognized in the country and abroad.