SUPERIOR SCHOOL OF PAINTING, SCULPTURE, AND ENGRAVING
Drawing and painting, for which the natives of the Filipinas show remarkable aptitude, began to be taught in the Sociedad Económica de Amigos del País [i.e., Economic Society of Friends of the Country],[1] and in a more ample and official manner in the old School of drawing and painting created in 1849. Some notable artists have graduated from that school, who have, by their productions, honored their country in España and other nations, and obtained prizes in various contests.[2]
By royal decrees of August and December, 1893, this institution was reorganized. The section of the fine arts was separated from the professional school of arts and crafts, and the superior school of painting, sculpture, and engraving was created. Teaching was amplified, and instruction given in various art subjects, including color composition modeling, and drawing from the antique and from nature, including figure drawing.[3] This academy was supported from local funds, a small part being contributed from the general budget. There were no enrolments or academic courses, and hence, no examinations. The pupils could attend as many years as they wished.[4] After its reorganization in 1893, the general attendance was from 200 to 300, and in spite of the poor instruction, some good work was done.[5]
[1] The Sociedad Económica de Amigos del Pais was founded in 1813 for the purpose of encouraging interest in the arts, sciences, commerce, and industries. Alexander A. Webb, former American consul at Manila, says of it. “It is claimed on its behalf that it has accomplished a vast amount of good, but there is not that degree of energy and activity manifested in its work to be seen in similar organizations in some other countries.” It had a library of about 2,000 volumes on the arts and sciences, natural history, and agriculture. See Report of Commissioner of Education, 1897–98, p. 980. [↑]
[2] The Filipino artist, Juan Luna y Novicio was a pupil of this academy. He also studied in Madrid, Paris, and Rome, and some of his paintings are conserved in the largest galleries. The total number of pupils enrolled in this academy from 1872 to 1883 was 5,485. See Census of Philippines, iii, p. 615. [↑]
[3] Archipiélago Filipino, i, p. 349; Census of Philippines, iii, p. 614. [↑]
[4] Census of Philippines, iii, p. 614. [↑]
[5] See Report of Philippine Commission, 1900, i, pp. 39, 40. Drawing was introduced into the Philippine schools in 1903 upon a systematic basis. The Filipinos are interested and apt in this work, and show talent in original conception and artistic execution. The work is carried on by a staff of nine Filipino drawing teachers, one American teacher for the secondary and American schools, and a supervisor. The Filipino teacher is as competent as the American in this work. See Report of Philippine Commission, 1904, pt. 3, p. 890. [↑]