1892 / Oil on canvas / 99 x 82 cm / Artist: Dionisio de Castro / Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas collection

This portrait of Soterania Puzon y Quintos de Ventenilla is one of the most outstanding 19th-century portraits. It was part of the fashion for portraiture in the mid- and late-19th century when the landowners and merchants, who benefited from export-crop agriculture with the opening of the country to international trade, began to enjoy a huge economic surplus. Such a portrait as this of Soterania Puzon clearly reflected the new wealth of the emergent mestizo or indigenous classes.

More than beauty, the portrait conveys wealth with its access to material refinement and economic power. The unsmiling severity of the lady’s face only adds weight to the indubitable sense of social ascendance with all its material evidence; it is in these terms that she was to be admired and emulated rather than for any natural qualities, such as personal charm or feminine appeal. Instead of the usual transparent bodice, she wears a blouse of thicker material but with exquisite openwork calado embroidery and scalloped edging; and instead of the usual stripes, her maria clara skirt has an opulent design of roses in bands. On her fingers are multiple rings in heavy gold, of indigenous design, as well as a rare neckpiece with pearls. She holds a feathered fan, a sign of consummate elegance, in a resolute manner. Her regal bearing is enhanced by a gold-tiara comb. A marble-topped table and fashionable rattan chair provide the setting for this woman secure in her wealth and position.