See Juan Luna's Long-Lost Painting Through This Free Ayala Museum Tour

(SPOT.ph) Juan Luna was among the most prominent Filipino artists of the late 19th century in the Philippines. He is best known for his mastery of realistic and genre paintings and has gained recognition for his exceptional skill in portraying light and shadow, as shown in his most famous works: "Spoliarium," "The Death of Cleopatra," and "The Blood Compact."

In celebration of Insular Foundation Day, Insular Foundation offers a free museum tour at Ayala Museum in Makati on September 30, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. This tour will include a walk-through of the multimedia exhibition Splendor: Juan Luna, Painter as Hero with the long-lost painting, "Hymen, oh Hyménée!", as the centerpiece.

Also read:
Juan Luna's Long-Lost Painting Revealed After 132 Years
10 Must-See Masterpieces at the National Museum of the Philippines

How to join Ayala Museum's free tour on September 30:

To be part of the free tour, you must sign the online registration form provided via Insular Life's Facebook page.

There are six fixed timeslots for the tour: 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m., but there is also another flexible option to add your specific preferred time of visit. But do take note that the Ayala Museum is only open until 5 p.m. So it's best to book no later than 4 p.m. to make the most out of it and to not rush past the displayed pieces because the museum's about to close.

Interested locals and tourists can sign up for the tour via the Insular Foundation's online registration form.

What to know about Juan Luna's "Hymen, oh Hyménée!":

Juan Luna's "Hymen, oh Hyménée!" is considered by many art collectors as the holy grail of Philippine art. This magnificent painting, which garnered a bronze medal at the 1889 Paris Exposition Universelle, was shrouded in mystery for decades until its triumphant return to the public in 2022 at the Ayala Museum.

The 1889 Paris Exposition Universelle holds a special place in history as the event that saw the construction of the iconic Eiffel Tower as its centerpiece. Among the works of art showcased during this exposition was Juan Luna's "Hymen, oh Hyménée!" The painting received a bronze medal, recognizing its exceptional artistic merit. However, this masterpiece remained hidden for many years, its whereabouts known to only a few.

This painting's rediscovery tale is as captivating as the artwork itself. Art collector Jaime Ponce de Leon, the driving force behind León Gallery, became consumed by the quest to find "Hymen, oh Hyménée!" For a decade, he embarked on a relentless pursuit, following leads and clues across Europe, determined to bring this lost gem back to the Philippines. His dedication to the cause eventually bore fruit, as he succeeded in acquiring the painting in 2014.

This remarkable journey culminated in 2022 when a long-term loan agreement between León Gallery and Ayala Museum was formalized. This partnership set the stage for the much-anticipated unveiling of "Hymen, oh Hyménée!" through the multimedia exhibition Splendor: Juan Luna, Painter as Hero. Curated and designed by scenographer Gino Gonzales, this exhibition offers a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty and significance of this long-lost masterpiece.

Splendor: Juan Luna, Painter as Hero runs until December 31 at the Ayala Museum, Greenbelt Park, Makati Avenue corner Dela Rosa Street, Ayala Center, Makati City. Museum tour is free on September 30, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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