José Lozano

José Honorato Lozano (1815 or 1821-1885) was a Filipino painter born in Manila, son of a lighthouse keeper at Manila Bay, who grew up in Sampaloc outside Intramuros. He pioneered the art form 'Letras y figuras,' composing patrons' names with contoured human figures and Manila vignettes, possibly inspired by illuminated manuscripts. Lozano also painted in the costumbrista tradition to meet demand for Manila souvenirs from foreign visitors.[1]