ANCIENT WRITING

The ancient script Baybayin. According to many early Spanish accounts, the Tagalogs had already been
writing with the baybayin for at least a century.

Baybayin is an ancient script used by the Tagalogs in the Philippines, predating Spanish
colonization by at least a century, as noted in early Spanish accounts. As a form of writing, it
was more than just a tool for communication; it was an expression of culture and identity. In
the history of art, Baybayin is considered significant because writing systems are often seen
as forms of visual art. The script’s graceful curves and shapes reflect the artistic expression of
early Filipinos. It has become part of art history because it represents the intersection of
culture, language, and creative expression, showcasing how people in the past communicated
their ideas and preserved their heritage.

THE SPANISH COLONIAL ART (1521-1898)

The year 1521 marks the dawn of the first colonial power in the Philippines. This is called the Spanish
period.

For the Catholic faith to be propagated successfully, it should be able to communicate well with the
educated as well as the uneducated, and the best way to achieve this is through art. Religious paintings,
sculptures, literature, music, dance, and theatre have all contributed to instilling the doctrines of the
Catholic faith into the hearts and minds of the early Filipinos.

The Spanish Colonial Period (1521-1898) in the Philippines saw the use of art as a key tool for
spreading the Catholic faith. Through religious paintings, sculptures, music, and other forms
of expression, the Spanish used art to teach Catholic teachings to both educated and
uneducated Filipinos. This period is important in the history of art because it shows how art
can be used not just for beauty or creativity, but also for communication and influence. The
religious themes that dominated the art of this time became a significant part of Philippine
culture and history, blending Spanish and local styles. This period contributed to the evolution
of Philippine art, shaping its future forms and traditions.

ARCHITECTURE

Fr. Antonio Sedeno introduced a lime in the construction of buildings. He was responsible for the
construction of the first fortress, the Nuestra Senora de Guia Fort in Manila.

He was instrumental in the planning and building of the Manila’s Secular residences. Early painting and
sculptural works for the church were largely given to the Chinese artisans living in a community outside
Intramuros called the Parian.

Fr. Antonio Sedeno’s contributions to architecture mark an important period in Philippine

colonial history. His use of lime in construction not only improved the durability of buildings
but also introduced a more European style of architecture, which blended with local practices.
The construction of the Nuestra Señora de Guia Fort, for example, was an early attempt to
fortify Manila, showcasing the influence of Spanish military architecture in the Philippines.

The Involvement of Chinese artisans in early church painting and sculpture highlights the
cultural exchange between the Chinese community and the Spanish colonizers. Living in the
Parian district outside Intramuros, these Chinese artisans became an integral part of the art
scene, creating religious artworks for churches. Their craftsmanship combined Chinese artistic
techniques with European religious themes, resulting in a fusion of styles that is a hallmark of
Philippine colonial art.

This period is significant in art history because it demonstrates how art and architecture
evolve through the interaction of different cultures. The blending of Spanish architectural
design with Chinese craftsmanship and local materials created a unique form of Filipino art,
marking the beginning of what would later develop into the distinct colonial art and
architecture seen throughout the country.

SCULPTURE

Carving which began in the pre-Hispanic times in making the likha (a local deity), was redirected by the
friars into the creation of santos (sculptures of saints). The making of santos are strictly supervised by the
church authorities for fear that the natives might include pagan elements into the prescribed iconography
of the church.

Sculpture in the Philippines started in pre-Hispanic times, when locals carved figures called
likha, representing their deities. When the Spanish arrived, the friars redirected this carving
tradition towards making santos, or statues of saints. The church authorities closely
monitored the process to ensure the statues followed Christian guidelines and avoided pagan
influences.

Mediums. Most of the santos had been carved out of wood. Ivory and animal bone were also used.

Famous Sculptors Juan delos Santos (Intramuros), Lorenzo Flores (Tayabas Church).

Many "santos" (sacred images of saints) were traditionally carved from wood, which was a
widely available material in the Philippines. Ivory and animal bones were also used for their
durability and fine texture. These sculptures became important parts of Filipino religious life,
often placed in churches or homes for worship.

Artists like Juan delos Santos and Lorenzo Flores became famous for their skill in creating
these santos. Their work is a significant part of art history because it reflects both religious
devotion and Filipino craftsmanship. The creation of santos shows the blending of local and
foreign influences (such as Spanish colonization) on Filipino culture and art. Over time, these
sculptures became valuable historical artifacts, representing the faith, artistic traditions, and
colonial history of the Philippines.

PAINTING

A rise of national consciousness was expressed through the reform movement during the 19% century. The
Sociedad Economica de Amigos dela Pais, a civic organization, aimed to encourage the development of
visual arts which led to the establishment of the Escuela de Dibujo y Pintura in 1821

The school closed In 1834 but reopened 20 years later. This school was incorporated with the Escuela
Pintura Escultura Y Grabado in 1879.

The rise of national consciousness during the 19th century in the Philippines led to efforts to
promote local culture, including the arts. The Sociedad Economica de Amigos de la Pais, a civic
group, encouraged the development of visual arts, which is why they established the **Escuela
de Dibujo y Pintura** in 1821. Although the school closed in 1834, it reopened 20 years later
and eventually became part of the Escuela Pintura Escultura y Grabado in 1879.

This school played an important role in Philippine art history because it provided formal
education in painting, sculpture, and engraving, helping to shape local artists. It reflects how
art was seen as a way to express identity and culture during a time when the country was
developing its sense of nationalism. Art from this period became a part of history because it
captured the spirit of reform and the desire for progress.

PAINTING

Damian Domingo, the first teacher, a mestizo whose talents impressed local authorities. The technique of
painting during this time may be from his works, where detailed and fine lines give volume or body to
objects or parts of the human figures.

In 1850 two local artists became famous abroad: Juan Luna and Felix Hidalgo.

Damian Domingo was a pioneering figure in Filipino art, recognized as the first art teacher in
the Philippines. As a mestizo, his artistic talents caught the attention of local authorities, and
his technique, which used detailed and fine lines to give depth to objects and human figures,
influenced painting styles at the time.

Later, in the 1850s, Juan Luna and Felix Hidalgo gained international recognition for their
works, further elevating Filipino art on the world stage. Their success made a significant
impact on Philippine art history, marking the country’s contribution to global art. These artists
became part of history because they shaped how art evolved in the Philippines and helped
introduce Filipino artistry to the world.

PRINTING
Nicolas Bagay is one of the outstanding engravers who ran a printing press and Francisco Suarez are both
known for their designs in 1733 and for the 12 scenes depicting representative life in the islands in the
Murillo-Velarde Map. They signed their works proudly writing Indio Tagalog after their signatures.

18th Century Coronation of the virgin- It is one of the oldest artworks in the visual arts. Collection

19th Century- The introduction of lithograph prints eventually replaced engraving in copper. Lithograph
Print-oil and water

In the history of art, printing played a vital role in spreading images and ideas. Nicolas Bagay
and Francisco Suarez, both talented engravers in the 18th century, contributed to this by
producing detailed designs, including the famous Murillo-Velarde Map. Their works were
significant because they proudly identified themselves as "Indio Tagalog," showing pride in
their heritage.

The "Coronation of the Virgin" from this time is one of the oldest known artworks in the
Philippines.

By the 19th century, lithography, a method using oil and water, replaced copper engraving.
This shift made it easier and cheaper to produce prints, which allowed for more widespread
access to art. These developments are part of art history because they reflect technological
advancements and cultural identity, helping to shape the visual arts in the Philippines and
beyond.