Tomawis, Sultan P. Asst. Prof.

Johanna Felipe
AC2B Arts Appreciation

Planting of the First Cross by Vicente S. Manansala

Vicente S. Manansala often portrayed Philippine historical events, and was also known for his ability to
successfully depict Philippine city and rural life. This picture represents one of the most significant events
in Philippine history: the 1521 planting of a cross in Cebu by Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan,
who encountered the Philippines in the 16th century.

Blending traditional and modern techniques, Manansala’s technique of “transparent cubism” has become
one of the most recognized painting styles among Filipino artists.

Oil and watercolor paintings by Manansala are in many private collections and museums. What rarely go
out are his drawings. It isn’t because he has few of them. Manansala draws almost compulsively. He fills
up notebook after notebook of drawings, detail studies in pencil or in ink. Particularly when he is preparing
to do a mural, he makes many specific drawings—an elbow, kneecap, a hand, fingers, the curve of
cheeks.
“For Manansala, drawing is a necessity. He believes that working with colors comes easily, but that
drawing must be practiced constantly. Drawing disciplines the hand as the hand disciplines drawing.
Drawing, Manansala believes, in the simple fact of art that can be taught and learned and that can be the
subject matter of training.”

The precious collection of Manansala drawings, now preserved for posterity at the Holy Angel University,
is a testament to the immense value of draftsmanship, an essential step to the realization of the artist’s
vision.

The most tantalizing aspect of these drawings, indeed their precious significance, lies in the initial
glimmering of a visual idea that would, through numerous variations, evolve into the fully realized
paintings that are now among the glories of Manansala’s legacy.
Tomawis, Sultan P. Asst. Prof. Johanna Felipe
AC2B Arts Appreciation

Hilda, S. (2011, May, 08) The first cross. Retrieved from

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Coredeta, D. (2017, February, 15) 8 artworks that captured my attention. Retrieved from
https://medium.com/@deniseviktoria.cordeta/ia-4-museum-visit-1-e017e658d673

Bitacoras, M. ( 2012, August 09) Planting of the First Cross. Retrieved from
http://kapaglumingonkaakinka.blogspot.com/2012/08/planting-of-first-cross.html