Sotero Garcia

April 12, 1844 (age 73)

Manila, Philippines

Sotero Garcia's work received much from the friendship he made with Juan Sales, a well-known contractor of religious works during his time. Many of the woodcarving orders for images of saints, altars, carriages, etc., were given by Sales to Garcia for execution. It was not the practice of woodcarvers and other artisans during the Spanish period to identify themselves with their productions. Because of this fact, many woodcarvings in churches and private homes remain anonymous to this day. Many pieces could probably be mentioned had Garcia preferred to become known. The four figures on the facade of the Manila Cathedral, those of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, and La Purisima Concepcion which occupied the central altar in the same church were his creations. The last image was the first reproduction of a famous piece by Murillo in the Islands, the coloring of which was done by Felipe Roxas. The images of Mary Magdalene, La Veronica, Saint John, and above all of the Senor en el Huerto, housed in the Recollect Church, Manila, were in the estimation of several observers his better works. In the early nineties, Garcia was chosen first lieutenant or first alternate in the Quiapo tribunal, an office corresponding in some way to the vice-mayor of today. Later he became gobernadorcillo, municipal judge or governor, succeeding Eugenio Guidote who resigned. After a year he was again elected to the same position and again for another term when the Revolution started.

Sotero Garcia

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sculptor

Background

Sotero Garcia was born on April 12, 1844, in Manila, Philippines.

Education

Sotero Garcia showed an interest in woodcarving as a young boy, for he apprenticed himself in the nearby shop of Jose Arevalo. After some years, he established an atelier of his own in his house on Santa Rosa Street, now Regidor Street.

Career

Sotero Garcia's work received much from the friendship he made with Juan Sales, a well-known contractor of religious works during his time. Many of the woodcarving orders for images of saints, altars, carriages, etc., were given by Sales to Garcia for execution.

It was not the practice of woodcarvers and other artisans during the Spanish period to identify themselves with their productions. Because of this fact, many woodcarvings in churches and private homes remain anonymous to this day. Many pieces could probably be mentioned had Garcia preferred to become known. The four figures on the facade of the Manila Cathedral, those of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, and La Purisima Concepcion which occupied the central altar in the same church were his creations. The last image was the first reproduction of a famous piece by Murillo in the Islands, the coloring of which was done by Felipe Roxas. The images of Mary Magdalene, La Veronica, Saint John, and above all of the Senor en el Huerto, housed in the Recollect Church, Manila, were in the estimation of several observers his better works.

In the early nineties, Garcia was chosen first lieutenant or first alternate in the Quiapo tribunal, an office corresponding in some way to the vice-mayor of today. Later he became gobernadorcillo, municipal judge or governor, succeeding Eugenio Guidote who resigned. After a year he was again elected to the same position and again for another term when the Revolution started.

Achievements

Sotero Garcia was known and recognized as a distinguished Filipino sculptor and woodcarver of his time. His works attracted a lot of attention and received the acknowledgment.

Personality

Sotero Garcia was a peaceful, not a communicative man.

Connections

Sotero Garcia was married to Petrona Velarde. The marriage produced three children.

Wife:: Petrona Velarde

References

Dictionary of Philippine Biography
1970

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Sotero Garcia

Background

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