Guillermo Tolentino
| Guillermo E. Tolentino | |
|---|---|
| Born |
July 24, 1890 Malolos, Bulacan, Captaincy General of the Philippines |
| Died | July 12, 1976 (aged 85) Quezon City, Philippines |
| Resting place |
Libingan ng mga Bayani 14°31′12″N 121°02′38″E / 14.520°N 121.044°E |
| Nationality | Filipino |
| Alma mater | University of the Philippines |
| Notable work |
Bonifacio Monument UP Oblation |
| Style | Classicism |
| Awards |
National Artist of the Philippines for Visual Arts - Sculpture 1973 |
Guillermo Estrella Tolentino (July 24, 1890 – July 12, 1976) was a Filipino sculptor and professor of the University of the Philippines. He was designated as a National Artist of the Philippines for Sculpture in 1973, three years before his death.
Tolentino was born on July 24, 1890 in Malolos, Bulacan. He was the fourth child in his family and had seven siblings. Before being interested in sculptures, he learned how to play the guitar, a skill which he inherited from his father. The young Tolentino showed an early talent in sculpting, having been able to mold figures of horses and dogs out of clay.
Tolentino started studying in Malolos Intermediate School and continued his high school years in the same city. After studying in Malolos, Tolentino went to Manila and attended classes in the School of Fine Arts of the University of the Philippines.
In 1911, Tolentino made an illustration of prominent Filipinos posing for a studio portrait. Among those included were national heroes, revolutionaries, and politicians. The illustration was lithographed and published in a weekly magazine called Liwayway under the name "Grupo de Filipinos Ilustres" and became popular among homes in the 20th century. Tolentino, a student at the university when he made the illustration, didn't earn any money from it but didn't seem to mind about it.
Tolentino graduated in 1915 with a degree in Fine Arts.
Tolentino, upon returning from Europe in 1925, was appointed as a professor at the University of the Philippines' School of Fine Arts and opened his studio in Manila on January 24.
Along with thirteen artists, Tolentino joined a contest in 1930 to design the Bonifacio Monument. Instead of basing the statues on printed materials, he interviewed people who participated in the Philippine Revolution. Bonifacio's figure was based on the bone structure of Espiridiona Bonifacio, the Supremo's surviving sister. Down to seven entries, the committee had its winners by July 29. Tolentino's entry won first place and was given a cash prize of 3,000 pesos.
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