Juan Luna's Painting to be Displayed at Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Publish date: Tuesday، 12 November 2024
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Filipino art is set to take center stage at the Louvre Abu Dhabi in 2025 with the unveiling of La Bulaqueña, one of Juan Luna’s most celebrated masterpieces. This announcement came during the Senate’s plenary discussions on the National Museum of the Philippines’ budget for 2025, marking a significant milestone for Filipino culture on the international art scene.
The Exciting Reveal
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III shared the exciting news, revealing that the Louvre Abu Dhabi had reached out to the National Museum of the Philippines to borrow select Filipino artworks. Pimentel humorously credited his wife, Kathryna Yu-Pimentel, the special envoy to the UAE, for providing the “inside scoop” on the development.
Pimentel, eager to learn which artwork would be lent, asked National Museum Director Jeremy Barnes for details. The answer? La Bulaqueña, Luna's masterpiece showcasing Filipino culture in the late 19th century.
The Story Behind La Bulaqueña
La Bulaqueña features Emiliana Yriarte Trinidad, a young Filipina from an elite family in Bulacan, who posed for Luna in the mid-1890s. The painting highlights the elegance and grace of Filipino women through Trinidad's portrayal in traditional Filipiniana attire.
Luna, one of the most important Filipino artists of the 19th century, is remembered for his powerful works that reflect the Philippines' struggles during the revolution. He started La Bulaqueña in November 1895 and completed it in early 1896, and it remains one of his iconic works to this day.
The display of La Bulaqueñaat the Louvre Abu Dhabi in June 2025 is a huge honor for the Philippines. This opportunity brings Juan Luna’s timeless work to a global audience, allowing art enthusiasts worldwide to appreciate the beauty and depth of Filipino heritage. As the Philippines continues to gain recognition on the world stage, the exhibit serves as a testament to Luna's lasting influence on both Filipino and international art.