The Holifeña Heritage House and Museum in Silay City, Negros Occidental reported the theft of Fernando Amorsolo's painting, "Mango Harvesters," on Friday, July 5.
In a Facebook post, Silay Heritage announced that one of the museum's most cherished pieces of Philippine art history was stolen earlier this week. They appealed to the public for help regarding its whereabouts.
“Please help in the recovery of this important piece of Philippine art. If you have information please contact 09985987443 / 09989674432 (Silay PNP) or report to the nearest authorities,” Silay Heritage's social media post stated.
It is presumed that the painting was snatched when two groups of tourists visited the museum on July 3, with only one tour guide on duty.
Mango Harvesters is an oil on panel measuring 19" x 12 1/2", according to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts' (NCCA) Philippine Registry of Cultural Property. Today, paintings like such are known to cost around millions of pesos.
The Grand Old Man of Philippine Art, Fernando Amorsolo, became the first Philippine National Artist in 1972. His works depict the rural landscapes in the country, masterly crafting the hues of the "Philippine sunlight."
