Philippine History -- Juan Luna

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Hero of the Philippine Revolution
Juan Luna

renowned painter

persecuted on suspicion of supporting the Katipunan

born October 23, 1857 in Badoc, Ilocos Norte to Joaquin Luna and Laurena Novicio.

died December 23, 1899

Juan Luna was a renowned painter, famous for his masterpieces

The Death of Cleopatra
The Blood Compact
The Spoliarium

The young Luna studied at the Ateneo de Manila, and studied designing at the Academia de Dibujo Y Pintura in Manila

In 1875, he obtained his certificate as a pilot or seaman at age 17. He traveled to Spain in 1877, and entered Escuela de Bella Artes in Madrid

In 1881, Juan Luna won the gold medal for Death of Cleopatra ( later sold for 5000 pesetas). In 1884, he painted his best known work, the "Spoliarium".

Other notable works included:

Ang Espana sa Pilipinas
Ang Aliping Bulag
Ang Tagumpay ni Lapu-lapu
Ang Labanan sa Lepanto
Ang Mestisa

He returned to the Philippines in 1891. In 1896 he was captured and imprisoned at Fort Santiago on suspicion of being with the Katipuneros. Later he went back to Spain where he joined Dr. Jose Rizal, Marcelo H. del Pilar, and Graciano Lopez-Jaena.

He died of sickness on December 7, 1899.

Excerpts from Talambuhay ng mga Bayani by Rene Alba