“Hymen, oh Hyménée!” by Juan Luna
The Ayala Museum recently unveiled a long-lost national treasure.
“Hymen, oh Hyménée!,” by Juan Luna was revealed to select guests at the Ayala Museum on Friday, June 9. The painting, which was last seen in public in Paris 132 years ago, is considered by many art collectors and connoisseurs to be the "holy grail" of Philippine art.
It is the centerpiece of the museum's new exhibition, "Splendor: Juan Luna, Painter as Hero," which is mounted in cooperation with León Gallery.
LOST IN TIME
A short history lesson for the uninitiated.
The years 1884 to 1889 were a time of great personal and professional success for Filipino painter Juan Luna.
After winning a gold medal for his painting "Spoliarium" at the 1884 Exposición Nacional del Bellas Artes in Madrid, Luna moved to Paris, where he continued to produce acclaimed works of art.
In 1889, his painting "Hymen, oh Hyménée!" won a bronze medal at the Exposition Universelle, a major world's fair that showcased the latest advances in art, technology, and culture.
These years were a halcyon period for Luna, who was surrounded by friends and family, and who was able to pursue his artistic ambitions without financial worry.
National Artist for Film Kidlat Tahimik admiring the unearthed "holy grail" of Philippine art
Juan Luna's victory at the Exposition Universelle in 1889 cemented his status as a master painter and one of the leading artists of his time. This triumph was a major source of pride for Filipinos, who were facing discrimination and oppression under Spanish rule. Luna's success showed that Filipinos could achieve great things, regardless of the obstacles they faced.
As historian Ambeth Ocampo has noted, Luna's victories "produced a groundswell of pride in (his) countrymen that resonates to our times with Lea Salonga's triumph on the West End and Broadway, Manny Pacquiao's conquest of World Boxing and last but not the least, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz bringing home the first Olympic Gold to a proud and grateful nation."
After the Exposition Universelle, "Hymen, oh Hyménée!" was lost to the past, a forgotten gem.
But not anymore.
UNVEILING
The vernissage of the exhibit was abuzz with excitement. Guests were dressed in their finest Filipiniana, cocktails were flowing, and laughter and good cheer filled the air. Everyone was eagerly awaiting the much-anticipated reveal.
Ayala Museum Senior Director Mariles Gustilo at the vernissage of "Splendor: Juan Luna, Painter as Hero"
After art collector Jaime Ponce de Leon of León Gallery recounted his tale of finding and acquiring the lost treasure, guests were then ushered to the multimedia exhibition.
The Ayala Museum has transformed its space into a Western-mansion-themed exhibit, filled with audio-visual installations honoring Juan Luna, as well as displaying artifacts pertaining to the creation of his masterpiece, "Hymen, Oh Hymenée!".
Jaime Ponce de Leon of León Gallery
The exhibit is a feast for the senses, with its dimly lit rooms, ornate furniture, and music playing in the background.
Notably, a documentary film by Martin Arnaldo is also featured in the exhibit hall. The show traces the recovery of the artwork, and at the same time captures the dilemma of the late 19th century Filipino diaspora for Juan Luna.
The figure studies by Luna were also interesting, and beautiful pieces of art in themselves. After navigating the maze-like corridors of the exhibit, you finally see the centerpiece, “the holy grail” of Filipino art.
It was breathtaking. Beautifully composed, striking, colors balanced, red and white – figures alive, and emotion-filled. Inside the room, you get the sense that one is truly in the presence of a masterpiece.
Kudos to Ayala Museum and León Gallery for unearthing and sharing this undoubted national treasure. The exhibit is a must-visit for all Filipinos and art aficionados.
To commemorate the 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood, and to celebrate Philippine Independence Day, admission to Ayala Museum will be free to the public on the opening day of "Splendor: Juan Luna, Painter as Hero" on June 12, 2023. Thereafter, admission rates will apply.
(Photos by Noel B. Pabalate | Manila Bulletin)