A powerful symbol of Filipino identity has found a temporary home in one of the world’s premier cultural institutions.
Juan Luna’s Una Bulaqueña, a masterful 1895 portrait of a poised Filipina woman from Bulacan, was officially unveiled at the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s permanent galleries in a landmark event marking the museum’s first collaboration with the National Museum of the Philippines.
The painting, considered a National Cultural Treasure, will be on display for a full year—an extraordinary loan that bridges two nations through art.
“The showcasing of this very special artwork at Louvre Abu Dhabi is a testament to the museum’s vision of universality and global cultural exchange,” said Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Louvre Abu Dhabi. He emphasized that culture “highlights our shared humanity and fosters greater understanding between diverse people and societies.”
Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso A. Ver echoed this sentiment, calling the exhibition a symbol of growing diplomatic and cultural ties. “The loan of Una Bulaqueña shows the ever-deepening and dynamic bilateral relations of the two countries,” he said. “This significant cultural exchange reflects our shared commitment to fostering understanding and cooperation through art.”
Painted during the Spanish colonial era, Una Bulaqueña challenges traditional Western portraiture by placing a Filipina woman—clothed in traditional attire and marked by grace and dignity—at its center. The figure’s confident posture and contemplative gaze convey pride and strength, a quiet defiance during a time of colonial rule.
Displayed between masterpieces by Renoir and Manet, Luna’s work expands the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s narrative of modern portraiture to include Southeast Asian perspectives.
“Una Bulaqueña is more than a portrait—it is a powerful symbol of national identity and cultural pride,” said Louvre Abu Dhabi Director Manuel Rabaté. “This exceptional loan strengthens our universal narrative by placing Southeast Asia’s voice at the heart of our global dialogue.”
While the National Museum of the Philippines expressed bittersweet feelings over parting with the painting, Deputy Director-General Jorell Legaspi shared his excitement about its global impact. “The opportunity to share it with the diverse and vibrant audience of Abu Dhabi brings far greater joy,” he said, noting that it will also provide “a sense of familiarity and belonging to thousands of Filipinos across the United Arab Emirates and the greater Middle East.”
Una Bulaqueña will be on display at Louvre Abu Dhabi until June 2026.
