Title Unknown (Moment after the Entry of Imperial Army)

Fernando Amorsolo remained active during World War II, documenting and reacting to the war in Manila under the Japanese occupation. His artwork during this period ranged from the melodramatic to journalistic. Basing this work on a black and white photograph, Amorsolo transforms the monochromatic image into a vivid group portraiture in colour through faithful reproduction, honed in his masterful painting skills. The black and white photograph used as basis for this work carries an inscription: "Moment after the arrival of Imperial Army, Morning of 6 January 1942, in front of the company housing’s entrance.” The painting was likely commissioned by an individual associated with Mitsui company as seen from the company's name written on the signboard in the background. This works offers a rare insight into the conditions surrounding the artists in the Philippines during the Japanese Occupation such as reliance on portraiture commissions, and represents a distinct type of documentary painting that was produced and circulated at that time.