Cheyenne Suarez

National Museum loans Juan Luna's 'Una Bulaqueña' to Louvre Abu Dhabi

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA --  The National Museum of the Philippines announced the successful loan and display of Juan Luna’s &quot;Una Bulaqueña&quot; at the Louvre Abu Dhabi in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.</p><p>&quot;Una Bulaqueña&quot; depicts a young Filipino woman from Bulacan dressed in traditional attire. Her contemplative gaze and upright posture speak volumes about the grace and strength of a Filipina. </p><p>The artwork also reflects Luna’s mastery of merging the European art traditions of his time with the distinct dynamism of Filipino identity. Standing side by side with Luna’s opus are Auguste Renoir’s &quot;La Tasse du Chocolat&quot; and Edouard Manet’s &quot;The Bohemian.&quot;</p><p>Acquired by the National Museum and having survived the tumultuous period of World War II, &quot;Una Bulaqueña&quot; was declared a National Cultural Treasure in 2008. </p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17503790216415508da38-d965-4053-b0a1-3a69da59f745.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"/></div><div><br/></div><p>The unveiling ceremony was attended by His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of Louvre Abu Dhabi, alongside His Excellency Alfonso A. Ver, Ambassador of the Philippines in the UAE, and Jorell M. Legaspi, deputy director-general of the National Museum of the Philippines. </p><p>The loan marks the first direct collaboration between the National Museum and Louvre Abu Dhabi, signaling a major milestone in the cultural dialogue between the Philippines and the United Arab c.</p><p>The Louvre Abu Dhabi chairman highlighted their museum’s commitment to promoting universality and global cultural exchange. “With this display of &#x27;Una Bulaqueña,&#x27; Abu Dhabi audiences will have the opportunity to discover a great deal about its cultural and art historical context, thereby learning more about the rich and fascinating history of the Philippines,” he added.</p><p>Meanwhile, Ver pointed out that this exchange is a testament to the strengthening bilateral relations between the UAE and the Philippines. “This significant cultural exchange reflects our shared commitment to fostering understanding and cooperation through art,” he said.</p><p>Further, Manuel Rabaté, director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, added that &quot;Una Bulaqueña&quot; is a great representation of the heritage and identity of the Filipino people. “At Louvre Abu Dhabi, we are deeply honored to bring this treasured masterpiece to the Arab world for the first time… This exceptional loan strengthens our universal narrative by placing Southeast Asia’s voice at the heart of our global dialogue,” he stated.</p><p>Talking about the significance of the painting’s display at Louvre Abu Dhabi, Legaspi said, “While we at the National Museum feel a measure of wistfulness as we part with this beloved painting for the time being, the opportunity to share it with the diverse and vibrant audience of Abu Dhabi brings far greater joy. This city, a global crossroads of ideas and cultures, offers a fitting setting for the appreciation of Luna’s genius — and of the broader contributions of Southeast Asian and Filipino art to the world’s cultural heritage.”</p><p>Legaspi also highlighted that the painting “will bring a sense of familiarity and belonging to thousands of Filipinos across the United Arab Emirates and the greater Middle East.&quot;</p><p>&quot;Una Bulaqueña&quot; will remain on view at Louvre Abu Dhabi until June 2026.</p>

<p>'Una Bulaqueña' depicts a young Filipino woman from Bulacan dressed in traditional attire. Her contemplative gaze and upright posture speak volumes about the grace and strength of a Filipina.</p>

'Una Bulaqueña' depicts a young Filipino woman from Bulacan dressed in traditional attire. Her contemplative gaze and upright posture speak volumes about the grace and strength of a Filipina.