Stations of the Cross + 1 by Carlos Botong Francisco

Carlos Botong Francisco, Stations of the Cross

Third Station: Jesus falls the first time

1960. Oil on canvas. Don Bosco Chapel Series

It’s been several years since I’ve been trying to see the complete set of paintings of the Stations of the Cross by Carlos “Botong” Francisco but the pandemic got in the way and then in 2023, we were denied entry to the two schools where these stations of the cross are displayed; at FEU University’s Our Lady of Fatima Chapel and Don Bosco Technical College. Both are in Metro Manila. We were denied entry to these chapels because a permit is required for non students to enter school grounds. I did as the staff suggested and sent requests online to view these paintings in March 2024 when I was in the Philippines but neither of them responded affirmatively or at all. I’m saddened by this denial as my intention is simple: to write and inform my readers about the artworks of Francisco. My blogs about his paintings have been viewed by more than a 100,000 readers and it’s obvious there’s a profound interest in his works. I’m glad my posts fulfill the public’s need to read and appreciate Francisco's vast body of works. If any of you have ideas or suggestions on how I can see them in person, please send me a message. I would really appreciate it.

Detail of the 3rd Station of the Cross

That said, I was pleased to see two paintings of the Stations of the Cross (there are 14 Stations of the Cross) at the National Museum of the Philippines which also displays Filipino Struggles in History and Progress of Medicine in the Philippines, both masterpieces by Francisco. These stations of the cross are unique because Francisco paints Roman soldiers, clearly a delineation from his portrayal of Filipino subjects and themes. In the painting, the soldiers’ facial expressions are intense while Jesus is regal and calm amidst the unfolding drama of his crucifixion. The weight of the cross has brought Him down. But He doesn’t show any pain as his body hits the ground. Everything He’s feeling and thinking are beautifully conveyed in his eyes. Francisco manages to evoke the divinity of Jesus through his facial expressions.

You can read about Filipino Struggles in History here: https://www.travelswithcharie.com/2019/05/filipino-struggles-in-history-carlos.html

This is the link to Progress of Medicine in the Philippines: https://www.travelswithcharie.com/2018/07/the-art-of-carlos-botong-francisco.html

Fifth Station: Simone of Cyrene helps Jesus carry his cross

1960. Oil on canvas. Don Bosco Chapel Series

The hands of Jesus are tied with a rope connected to the right hand of a soldier who is perhaps afraid that Jesus will try to escape. We see Simone’s head behind Jesus as he takes on the cross to relieve Jesus momentarily from this heavy burden.

Carlos Botong Francisco, 500 Years in Philippine History

Fragment from 500 Years in Philippine History

1953. Oil on Wood.

It’s amazing to see this fragment of the mural Francisco created for the 1953 International Fair which was held in Manila. There’s not much known about this twelve-panel mural after the fair ended. Only a watercolor on paper study exists of the mural that is now part of the Ayala Museum collection. For more information about 500 Years in Philippine History, follow this link: https://youtu.be/-USTeTYlkg0?feature=shared

Detail of Fragment from 500 Years in Philippine History

The Gallery where the Stations of the Cross are displayed

Entrance to the National Museum of the Philippines is free. For directions, hours and opening times, follow this link: https://www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph/

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Images by TravelswithCharie

Filipino Struggles in History - Carlos Botong Francisco

In 1968, Antonio Villegas (then Mayor of Manila), commissioned Carlos "Botong" Francisco to paint the history of Manila for Manila City Hall. The series of large scale paintings was called Kasaysayan ng Maynila (History of Manila). The paintings deteriorated over time and no attempt was made to preserve these historical canvases until 2013 when Mayor Amado Lim sent them to the National Museum for extensive restoration. Four years later, in 2017, Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada and the Manila City Council signed an agreement with the National Museum to leave the paintings at the museum so they may reach a larger audience in exchange for museum grade reproductions to replace the originals. Kasaysayan ng Maynila was later renamed Filipino Struggles in History and is now on display at the Senate Hall of the National Museum . Carlos "Botong" Francisco died in March 1969, a few months after completing the paintings. He is one of the first Filipino modernists and

The Art of Carlos Botong Francisco - Progress of Medicine in the Philippines

Pre-colonial period Pag-unlad ng Panggagamot sa Pilipinas (The Progress of Medicine in the Philippines) is a group of four large-scale paintings depicting healing practices in the Philippines from pre-colonial times to the modern period. Carlos Botong Francisco was commissioned in 1953 by Dr. Agerico Sison who was then the director of Philippine General Hospital (PGH) together with Dr. Eduardo Quisumbing of the National Museum, Dr. Florentino Herrera, Jr. and Dr. Constantino Manahan. These oil on canvas paintings measure 2.92 meters in height and 2.76 meters in width (9.71 ft x 8.92 ft) and were displayed at the main entrance hall of PGH for over five decades. Owing to its location, the artworks were in a state of "severe deterioration" at the beginning of the 21st century from exposure to heat, humidity, dirt, dust, smoke, insect stains, grime, termites and an oxidized synthetic resin used in an earlier restoration. These canvases were restored three times, the last was

8 Heritage Houses of Iloilo

Lizares Mansion The province of Iloilo on the island of Panay has a rich trove of heritage houses, left over from the sugar industry boom in the 19th century. Iloilo also had the largest port in the Philippines at that time which facilitated the export of sugar to foreign shores and deposited money in the hands of the sugar barons. The barons dropped their earnings into the acquisition of properties in Negros and the construction of beautiful homes in Iloilo, many of which are located in the vicinity of the Jaro Cathedral. The Lizares Mansion was built in 1937 by Don Emiliano Lizares for his wife, Concepcion Gamboa and five children. The family fled to safety when World War II broke out and the house was occupied by the Japanese military. The family returned to the house after the war but left once again after the demise of Don Emiliano. It was sold to the Dominican order in the 1960s and was converted in 1978 to a private school, Angelicum School. The mansion now houses the

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