A timeless portrait of grace, heritage, and Filipino pride finds a new spotlight in UAE
Dubai: Juan Luna’s iconic painting, Una Bulaqueña—a luminous symbol of the Filipina spirit—has officially taken its place among the world’s cultural masterpieces at the Louvre Abu Dhabi. In an unprecedented cultural milestone, this beloved national treasure is now on view outside the Philippines for the very first time.
Hailed as Luna’s own Mona Lisa, Una Bulaqueña is more than just a painting. It is a love letter to Filipino identity—a stunning portrayal of a poised young woman from Bulacan, resplendent in her traditional baro’t saya. Painted in 1895 during the Spanish colonial era, the artwork masterfully fuses European technique with the soul of the Filipino experience.
Now part of the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s prestigious permanent galleries on Saadiyat Island, this larger-than-life oil painting will be on display through June 2026, thanks to a landmark collaboration between the National Museum of the Philippines and the UAE’s cultural flagship institution.
Unveiled in a ceremony graced by His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Louvre Abu Dhabi, His Excellency Alfonso A. Ver, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, and Jorell M. Legaspi, Deputy Director-General of the National Museum of the Philippines, Una Bulaqueña was handpicked as a centerpiece of the museum’s Ambassador Object program—representing the rich tapestry of Filipino history and resilience.
For years, the identity of the woman in the painting remained a mystery. But recent discoveries by historian Ambeth Ocampo have revealed her to be Emiliana Yriarte Trinidad of San Rafael, Bulacan—a revelation that adds an even deeper personal dimension to Luna’s celebrated work.
Previously housed in the Malacañang Palace and revered as one of the most important works in the National Museum’s collection—second only to the epic Spoliarium—Una Bulaqueña now steps onto the global stage, inviting the world to witness the strength, elegance, and quiet power of the Filipina spirit.
This momentous exhibition not only strengthens cultural ties between the Philippines and the UAE, but also offers a profound reminder: art knows no borders. Through Una Bulaqueña, Juan Luna’s legacy continues to inspire across continents.
Don’t miss this rare chance to experience a piece of Philippine soul in the halls of one of the world’s most revered museums.
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