1821 / 14 oil paintings / 91.44 x 91.44 cm each / Artist: Esteban Villanueva / National Museum of the Philippines collection

This series of works on the Basi Revolt by Villanueva, a Vigan painter, was commissioned to serve as a warning to those who would attempt to overthrow the colonial government. The subject of this series is the 1807 revolt of the Ilocano against the government monopoly over basi, the local sugarcane wine. The monopoly, instituted in 1786, regulated the drinking of basi and forced makers to sell at a low official price. Aside from its documentary value in terms of the costumes and manners of the inhabitants of a hierarchical colonial society, this series also records a revolt against Spanish control. The rebels were led by disgruntled elements from various towns of Ilocos Norte. Against them, the major mayor or governor mobilized the several governors or town mayors who controlled the Vigan troops of weaponry. The rebels were defeated, and their leaders rounded up and executed in public.

The 14 paintings depict the following scenes: (1) Mayor Juan Ybañez and local troops at vigil; (2) Ybañez calls the chiefs of Bantay, San Vicente, and Santa Catalina; (3) chiefs of Candon and Santiago are reprimanded for tardiness; (4) rebels of Ilocos Norte march to Ilocos Sur; (5) troops are sent to confront the rebels; (6) an arrested rebel dies of lashing; (7) Vigan troops are sent to repel enemies; (8) natives flee to Bantay Church; (9) bloody battle is waged at Bantaoay; (10) dead rebels are buried; (11) victory comes on 7 Sep 1807; (12) convicts are brought to the gallows; (13) rebel leaders are hanged; (14) the condemned are decapitated.

The style of the paintings is folk rather than academic — for example, government officials are considerably workshop than the townsfolk on the same plane. This series, which is one of the first on a secular theme, is an example of the use of art by colonial authorities in order to strengthen their rule.