Spanish Colonial Legacy

Spanish Colonial Legacy in the Philippines (1565–1898)

Introduction

• The Spanish colonization of the Philippines lasted from 1565 to 1898.

• Visual arts, particularly sculpture and painting, were utilized by the Spaniards to spread Christianity.

Sculpture in the Spanish Period

Religious Imagery

• Sculptures primarily depicted images of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and saints.

• These were often carved from durable hardwoods, such as molave.

Urnas

• Small wooden or metal altars used in homes or private spaces for worship.

Virinas

• Glass domes that protected religious statues or santos, preserving their delicate features and decorations.

Encarnacion

• A process used to make santos (religious sculptures) appear more lifelike, by applying paint, wax, and intricate details.

Gesso

• A white coating applied to sculptures to create a smooth surface for painting and finishing.

Bastidor

• A framework or body structure used to support santo sculptures, often covered with fabric and ornate decorations.

Camoreros

• Caretakers responsible for maintaining and preserving bastidor santos and other religious sculptures.

Relief Art

Relief

• A form of visual art where images are carved into a flat surface, creating a raised or recessed design.

Via Crucis

• A series of relief panels or paintings depicting the Stations of the Cross, illustrating the Passion of Christ.

Artistic Souvenirs and Retablos

Tipos del Pais

• Sculptures or artworks that served as souvenirs, showcasing local scenes or cultural practices.

Retablo

• Derived from the Latin retro tabula, meaning "behind the altar."

• Ornate altar backdrops often made of wood, featuring carvings and statues of saints, angels, and biblical scenes.

• Example: The retablo in San Agustin Church, built in 1617, is one of the oldest in the Philippines.

Juan de los Santos

• A renowned Filipino sculptor known for carving retablos.

• He was based in San Pablo, Laguna.