Solomon Saprid
(1917—2003)
Solomon Saprid was a major Filipino modern sculptor, best known for his expressive sculptures made from welded brass and other metals. He was born in Imus, Cavite, on March 13, 1917, and was considered a late bloomer, becoming a professional sculptor only around the age of 50. He initially worked as an educator, scientific illustrator, and textbook illustrator and earned a master's degree in education from Ohio State University. His first major recognition as a sculptor came in 1967, when his wooden sculpture, Sad Christ, attracted attention in the Art Association of the Philippines' annual competition. His sculptures are characterized by rough, jagged welded surfaces, open spaces, and strongly animated human figures. Rather than concealing the seams produced by welding, he used them as an important visual element. His figures often appear to be caught in a moment of movement — a quality associated with his idea of "frozen motion." Among his best-known subjects are Philippine mythical creatures, religious figures, historical subjects, mothers and children, and ordinary Filipino people. He died on September 25, 2003.
The Burgos-Gomez-Zamora Centennial Commission sponsored a national competition for a monument commemorating the martyrdom and aspirations of GOMBURZA for the Filipino nation. Solomon Saprid was selected by the jury as the winner of the competition. The bronze monument was funded by public donation and was completed in time for the Gomburza centennial in 1972. It was originally installed at Plaza de Roma in Intramuros, Manila. The GOMBURZA National Monument was relocated to Padre Burgos Avenue, at Liwasang Gomburza, facing the National Museum of Fine Arts in 1980.
The GOMBURZA National Monument was featured on the 5-sentimo (Scott #1115) and 60-sentimo stamps (Scott #1116), issued on April 3, 1972, to commemorate the centenary of the martyrdom of Fathers Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora.
Benguet Corporation was founded on August 12, 1903, as the Benguet Consolidated Mining Company to develop gold-mining operations in Benguet. The company subsequently expanded and diversified its mineral operations to include copper, chromite, nickel, and other mineral resources. In 1980, it adopted the name Benguet Corporation, reflecting the broader scope of its activities. As part of its centennial celebration in 2003, the company commissioned sculptor Solomon Saprid to create The Miners, also known as Men of Gold, as a lasting tribute to the grit, labor, and heritage of underground gold miners. The sculpture was installed at the historic Balatoc Mining Compound in Itogon, Benguet, which served as the heart of the corporation's primary gold operations for decades.The Miners was featured on the 6-piso stamp (Scott #2848), issued on August 12, 2003, to commemorate the centenary of Benguet Corporation.
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- Only Philippine stamps depicting artworks by Solomon Saprid are included in this list.
- Scott Catalogue numbers are provided when available. When no country is specified, the Scott Catalogue number refers to a Philippine stamp.
- Created: 12 October 2026