Charles William Andrews, a.k.a. C. W. Andrews (1830-1869), was an English painter, engraver and designer that contributed to the Illustrated Sydney News and Ilustracion Filipina, Periodico Quincenal (March 1859-December 1860), a biweekly illustrated newspaper in the Philippines, which was the first of its kind in the country. On behalf of Ilustracion Filipina, Andrews and Manila printing firm Ramirez y Giraudier produced the first and what many consider the finest lithographs made in the Philippines. From 1854-1865, Andrews was active and based in Hong Kong, and he traveled to and around the Philippines with fellow English artist Charles Wirgman, whom we have covered in installments 11.3-11.6. Numerous artists borrowed, copied or reinterpreted Andrews’ illustrations and published them under different names. This included Wirgman for the Illustrated London News.
The 1st image above is the full untitled piece by Andrews, likely published 1860-1861, showing a ballroom dancing scene probably in Manila.
The 2nd image above shows a closer look at the left side of the painting with the male dancer and male band members. All are in striped or solid Barong Tagalog and patterned work pants, and all are barefoot.
The 3rd image above shows a closeup of the man of the principalia class sitting at the table towards the right of the drawing. He wears a striped Barong Tagalog untucked with a jacket over it, dress slacks and leather shoes. He carries a cane. Spanish edict gave men of power like this working for the Spanish government the right to dress this way to distinguish themselves as principales, members of this ruling class. This same character appears in many pieces of art of this time period, not just pieces by Andrews.
The 4th image above shows an illustration we covered previously in Addendum 10.20 titled Fète à Santa Cruz de Nano [Party at Santa Cruz de Nano], 1886, from Frenchman Antoine-Alfred Marché. This work is similar to Andrews’ work, and it contains many of the same characters and elements.
