Juan Luna and the Lost Painting

Spoliarium

• One of the most famous artworks in the Philippines.
• Located at the National Museum.
• Measures 4x7 meters.
• Won a gold medal at the Exposición de Bellas Artes in Madrid, 1884.
• Dubbed "The Greatest Work of the Greatest Filipino artist of the 19th century."
• Juan Luna triumphed against renowned artists like Antonio de Green.

Juan Luna

• Born in 1857 in Bado, Ilocos Norte.
• Brother of Antonio Luna, an Army General.
• One of his secret works is "Imen o Imené."

Imen o Imené

• A lost painting by Juan Luna for over a hundred years.
• Found and returned to the Philippines alongside the 125th celebration of the Philippines.
• Called the "Holy Grail" by art collectors.

The History of Imen o Imené

• Previously thought to have been lost or destroyed in the war.
• A lithograph remained as proof of its existence.
• Painted from 1886 to 1887 after marrying Paz Pardo de Tavera.

Research and Discovery

• Prolonged search by Leon Gallery and Jaime Ponce de Leon.
• Found in Europe in an aristocrat's house.

Public Display

• Showcased at Ayala Museum for the first time.
• Featured detailed scenes of Roman weddings.

Significance of Imen o Imené

• Bronze medalist at an art competition in Paris, compared to the Olympics of visual arts.
• Serves as a symbol of the talent of Filipinos in the arts.

Reaction of the Spokespeople

• Hair-raising
• Juan Luna strived to represent Filipinos internationally.
• The Luna family is delighted but does not claim ownership of the painting, preferring it to remain in museums for Filipinos.

Recognition of Filipino Artists

• Juan Luna, like other famous Filipinos such as Lea Salonga, Manny Pacquiao, and Hidilyn Diaz.
• Their contributions are significant in showcasing Filipino talent worldwide.