Reimagining Lapulapu in AI-Generated Art
I did this thought experiment to create a face of the national hero through the eyes of the artists of that time.
For most Filipinos, especially Cebuanos like myself, Lapulapu is an iconic figure in Philippine history. His likeness graces statues, artworks, and even our currency. Yet, the true face of this 16th-century Filipino chieftain, who valiantly resisted the initial Spanish colonization attempts, remains shrouded in mystery. Lapulapu's image has been a subject of debate among historians, public officials, and the general public. Some even question whether he was a real historical figure or merely a mythical embellishment in the story of the ill-fated explorer, Ferdinand Magellan.
In 2020, the National Historical Commission unveiled a painting by artist Carlo Caacbay as the "face" of Lapulapu, based on research by historian Danilo Gerona. Gerona consulted historical sources such as Gaspar Correa's "Lendas da India" and the Boxer Codex of the 1590s to arrive at an approximation of Lapulapu's appearance during the Magellan expedition.
But what if we could use artificial intelligence and machine learning to envision what Lapulapu might have looked like, based on the artistic styles of the 16th century? This thought experiment led me to explore how different artists from various regions during that era might have depicted him. With the help of AI, I have embarked on a journey to reimagine Lapulapu's visage, drawing from the rich traditions of Renaissance Spain, Ming China, Muromachi Japan, and neighboring Southeast Asian kingdoms.
Renaissance Spanish Artists
The first group of artists I explored were from Renaissance-era Spain. These painters, including El Greco, Juan Fernandez Navarette, and Luis de Morales, worked during or shortly after the time of Lapulapu and Magellan.
El Greco: Although born after Magellan's expedition, El Greco, a renowned Spanish painter, was worth investigating. However, AI-generated images often portray a more Native American appearance rather than a Filipino one.
Juan Fernandez Navarette: Known as El Mudo, Navarette produced Mannerist-style paintings. Interestingly, AI yielded more promising results, with one image possibly resembling Lapulapu.
Luis de Morales: Morales, famous for religious works, resulted in "Chino"-looking interpretations with elaborate headdresses in AI-generated images.
Alonso de Berruguete: The AI produced portraits showcasing a Hispanized Lapulapu, imagining what he might have looked like had he accepted Spanish suzerainty. Some images even depicted him in native clothing similar to a headhunting chief.
Vicente Juan Masip: A Valencian painter, Masip's work generated AI images somewhat similar to those of Berruguete and Morales.
Pedro de Villegas Marmolejo: The AI often portrayed Lapulapu as a figure employed under the Spanish crown, reflecting what local elites did to survive under Spanish rule.
Fernando YaƱez de la Almedina: Results from this artist showed peculiar artifacts, yet the overall image remained consistent with the others, possibly due to his background in religious art.
Ming Chinese Artists
Considering the long history of trade between pre-Hispanic Filipinos and China, I wondered how Chinese artists might have depicted Lapulapu. AI-generated images consistently depicted Lapulapu in distinctive armor and Chinese-style hairstyles, but with features that looked entirely Chinese.
Muromachi Japanese Artists
During the Muromachi period in Japan, artists had a distinct style. The AI-generated images of bare-chested figures without East Asian-style garments and armor, but the facial features still looked unmistakably Japanese.
Southeast Asian Artists
Finally, I explored the perspective of artists from neighboring Southeast Asian kingdoms with trade links to pre-Hispanic Filipino communities. While Southeast Asian art is diverse, it was interesting to see how these artists might have viewed Lapulapu. Unfortunately, AI-generated images did not deviate from the previous patterns.
Final Thoughts
It's crucial to emphasize that the images generated by AI are not authentic representations of Lapulapu. Instead, this experiment serves as a thought-provoking exploration of how different artistic styles from the same historical period might have envisioned him. It is a testament to the power of technology in reimagining our history and sparking conversations about the past.
As we reflect on these AI-generated interpretations, we are reminded of the complexity of historical representation and the importance of critical thinking when interpreting the past. Lapulapu's true face may forever remain a mystery, but our curiosity and willingness to explore new avenues of understanding keep his legacy alive in our hearts and minds.