NATIONAL ARTISTS OF THE PHILIPPINES

Carlos Modesto "Botong"

Villaluz Francisco
NOVEMBER 4, 1912 – MARCH 31, 1969
Francisco was a most distinguished practitioner of mural painting for many
decades and best known for his historical pieces. He was one of the first
Filipino modernists along with Galo Ocampo and Victorio C. Edades who
broke away from Fernando Amorsolo's romanticism of Philippine scenes.
According to restorer Helmuth Josef Zotter, Francisco's art "is a prime
example of linear painting where lines and contours appear like cutouts.

WHO WAS BOTONG FRANCISCO?

A FILIPINO MURALIST
Francisco served as the production
designer for the 1961 film adaptation of
José Rizal's Noli Me Tángere.
He was responsible for the discovery of the
now famous Angono Petroglyphs in 1965.
He was also involved in Costume Design in
Philippine cinema.

PAINTER / MURALIST
Carlos V. Francisco, better known as
Botong, was responsible for
revolutionising the fine arts landscape
of the Philippines. He departed from
the prevailing style of the Amorsolo
academic and launched the modernist
movement with his fellow founders of
the Modern Triumvirate, Victorio
Edades and Galo Ocampo.

DID YOU KNOW?

Francisco employed bold folk colors, flowing
rhythmic lines and decorative patterns often
covering the entire field of the painting.

He evoked the communal life of Philippine

gatherings and celebrations. His images of
women were drawn from mythology.

ARTWORKS
His other major works include the
following:
Portrait of Purita,
The Invasion of Limahong,
Serenade,
Muslim Betrothal,
Blood Compact,
First Mass at Limasawa,
The Martyrdom of Rizal.
among others.

SOURCE:
"Cltural Aim Behind New Arriva-Bayanihan Film Organization". Kislap Movies. June 1961. pp. 124–25.
^ Allison Lopez (August 30, 2007) "Art docs work on ‘dying’ Botong murals in PGH," Inquirer
^ Nikki Francisco (September 26, 2017) "10 Must-See Masterpieces at the National Museum of the Philippines" Spot.ph