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

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The National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) has loaned Juan Luna's “Una Bulaqueña” to the Louvre Abu Dhabi (LAD) in the United Arab Emirates, where it will be displayed until June 2026.

According to NMP's post on Facebook, the loan is the first direct collaboration between the two museums, “signalling a major milestone in the cultural dialogue between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates.” 

The unveiling ceremony was attended by His Excellency Chairman of LAD Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak; Ambassador of the Philippines in the UAE His Excellency Alfonso A. Ver; and Deputy Director-General of the NMP Jorell M. Legaspi.

Al Mubarak said LAD commits to promoting universality and global cultural exchange.

“With this display of ‘Una Bulaqueña,’ 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 said.

Ver added that this strengthens the relations between the Philippines and the UAE. “This significant cultural exchange reflects our shared commitment to fostering understanding and cooperation through art.”

LAD director Manuel Rabaté said they're "deeply honored to bring this treasured masterpiece to the Arab world for the first time." He described “Una Bulaqueña” as a representation of the heritage and identity of the Filipino people. 

"This exceptional loan strengthens our universal narrative by placing Southeast Asia’s voice at the heart of our global dialogue."

"Una Bulaqueña," also called "La Bulaqueña," is Luna's painting of a Filipino woman from Bulacan dressed in traditional attire. According to the Cultural Center of the Philippines Encyclopedia of Philippine Art, the woman in the portrait is Emiliana Yriarte Trinidad, who was less than 17 years old when she posed for the painting. She is “a comely Filipina from an elite provincial family," depicted full figure in the formal dress of the time.

“Her contemplative gaze and upright posture speak volumes about the grace and strength of a Filipina,” NMP added on Facebook. “The artwork also reflects Luna’s mastery of merging the European art traditions of his time with the distinct dynamism of Filipino identity.”

The painting survived World War II and was declared a National Cultural Treasure in 2008. It was sold to the NMP in World War II for 200 in Japanese military notes, according to the CCP.

—Nika Roque/JCB, GMA Integrated News