STYLE AN ART HISTORY
coloring agents such as pigment powders
RESEARCH PROJECT
Name: Ken D. Manalaysay
Jastony L. Anwat
Section: 12 ABM Estrella
Artist’s Full Name: Guillermo Estrella Tolentino
(“Father of Philippine Arts.”)
Region: Malolos, Bulacan, Captaincy General of
the Philippines, and Quezon City, Fourth Republic
of the Philippines.
BIOGRAPHICAL INFO:
1. Place / date of birth: July 24, 1890,
Malolos, Bulacan, Captaincy General of
the Philippines.
2. Place / date of death: July 12, 1976,
Quezon City, Fourth Republic of the
Philippines.
3. Primary type of artwork: “Oblation
Sculpture” (ex. Painting? Drawing?
Sculpture? Printmaking? Ceramics?) -
4. Media (what materials are use?) –
Cement, sand, aggregate such as crushed
stone or gravel, water, Steel reinforcement
if needed, fiberglass strands or mesh if
needed, admixtures such as acrylics or
latex for added strength or flexibility, and
or oxides for decorative effects.
5. Style or period of art? – Oblation is
classical nude in form and spirit (neo –
classicism).
I. Select one other artist who work in this style
(from the time period of the artist or contemporary
artists working in this same style). How is the
work similar? How is the work different? – The
Oblation statue by Guillermo Tolentino and the
Transfiguration sculpture by Napoleon Abueva
share some similarities in terms of their materials
and subject matter, but they also have notable
differences.
SIMILARITIES:
Subject matter: Both works of art are inspired by
religious and spiritual themes. The Oblation statue
symbolizes sacrifice and the pursuit of knowledge,
while the Transfiguration sculpture depicts a
biblical scene in which Jesus is transfigured before
his disciples.
DIFFRENCE:
Material: Both sculptures are made of durable
materials that allow for intricate details. The
Oblation statue is made of concrete, while the
Transfiguration sculpture is also made of bronze
and steel.
In summary, while the Oblation statue by
Guillermo Tolentino and the Transfiguration
sculpture by Napoleon Abueva share some
similarities in their materials and subject matter,
they differ significantly in their style and context,
reflecting the unique artistic visions and cultural
contexts of their creators.
II. Answer the following questions:
1. What is the subject matter? The focus of
the sculpture of Oblation by Guillermo
Tolentino is the representation of the ideals
of academic freedom, service, and
sacrifice. The sculpture depicts a nude,
male figure outstretched his left and right
hand in gesture of selflessness and
dedication. The figure stands atop a
pedestal with the words "UP Oblation"
inscribed on it. Overall, the sculpture of
Oblation by Guillermo Tolentino is a
powerful representation of the values that
the University of the Philippines stands for
and has become an enduring symbol of
academic excellence and service in the
Philippines.
2. Genres. Is this a still life (group of
things)? A portrait (a painting, drawing or
sculpture of a person)? or a landscape /
seascape / cityscape (picture of the land /
water / city)? Other (explain)? "The
Oblation" is classified as a figurative
sculpture, which is a type of sculpture that
depicts the human form or figure. It
depicts a naked man with his arms
outstretched and palms up in a gesture of
selflessness and dedication.
3. Description. Identify the sensory qualities
(art elements). Can you identify a color
scheme? Why do you think the artist might
have chosen the colors she / he did? Do
they make sense? What kind of lines did
the artist use? How does the texture add to
the work? Etc. Here are some of the key
elements that can be identified in this
work of art:
Color: Although "The Oblation" is
traditionally made in bronze, which has a
muted golden-brown color, it does not
incorporate color in the traditional sense.
The use of light and shadow on the surface
of the sculpture, however, creates a sense
of depth and contrast that adds to its visual
impact.
Line: The lines of the figure are highly
stylized and geometric, with sharp angles
and sweeping curves used to create a sense
of movement and flow. The outstretched
arms of the figure create strong diagonal
lines that draw the viewer's eye upwards.
Texture: The surface of the sculpture is
highly detailed, with rough, textured areas
used to indicate the hair of the figure, as
well as smoother areas used to indicate the
skin. The use of texture adds depth and
visual interest to the sculpture.
Space: The sculpture is designed to be
viewed from all angles, with the figure
standing on a circular base that allows for
movement around it.
4. Interpretation. What do you think the
artists was trying to say? Why do you
think he / she chose this subject?
Guillermo Tolentino was trying to convey
a message of patriotism and dedication to
one's country through his sculpture "The
Oblation". By choosing this subject and
creating such a powerful and memorable
work of art, he was able to contribute to
the cultural and historical identity of the
Philippines and inspire generations of
Filipinos to strive for a better future.
5. What feeling does this artwork give you
and why? The sculpture can evoke a
range of emotions, including:
Patriotism: The sculpture's message of
sacrifice and dedication to one's country
can inspire feelings of pride and love for
the Philippines and its people.
Empathy: The sculpture's message of
sacrifice and selflessness can also evoke
feelings of empathy, as viewers may
identify with the figure's willingness to
give of himself for a greater good.
Idealism, and Reverence.
6. What part of the artwork is your
favorite and why? some of the notable
features of the sculpture is the figure’s
outstretched arms and upward gaze.
7. Judgement: Defend this as a work of art?
The Oblation by Guillermo Tolentino is
undoubtedly a masterpiece of Philippine
sculpture and a cultural icon of the
country.
Technical excellence: The Oblation is a
stunning display of Tolentino's technical
skill in sculpture. The lifelike portrayal of
the human body is remarkable, from the
intricate details of the muscles to the
proportionate features of the figure. The
work also shows Tolentino's mastery of
 different materials, as the sculpture is
made of bronze and stands at 3.5 meters
high.
Historical Significance: The Oblation has
played a significant role in Philippine
history and culture. It was first created in
1935 as a representation of the University
of the Philippines' motto "honor and
excellence." It has since become a beloved
national treasure, surviving World War II,
and standing witness to the Philippines'
turbulent history. It has inspired countless
artists and scholars, and its message of
sacrifice and patriotism continues to
resonate with Filipinos to this day.
In conclusion, The Oblation by Guillermo
Tolentino is undoubtedly a work of art. It
showcases the technical skill of the
sculptor, symbolizes important values, and
has significant historical and cultural
significance. The sculpture is a true
masterpiece and rightfully deserves its
place as a cultural icon of the Philippines.
III. Timeline (include some key period events that
may have influenced this artist):