About Juan Luna
Juan Luna de San Pedro y Novicio (Spanish: [ˈxwan ˈluna], Tagalog: [hwɐn ˈluna]; October 25, 1857 – December 7, 1899) was a Filipino painter, sculptor and a political activist of the Philippine Revolution during the late 19th century. He became one of the first recognized Philippine artists. His winning of the gold medal in the 1884 Madrid Exposition of Fine Arts, along with the silver win of fellow Filipino painter Félix Resurrección Hidalgo, prompted a celebration which was a significant highlight in the memoirs of members of the Propaganda Movement, with the fellow Ilustrados toasting the two painters' good health and the brotherhood between Spain and the Philippines. Well regarded for work done in the manner of European academies of his time, Luna painted literary and historical scenes, some with an underscore of political commentary. His allegorical works were inspired by classical balance, and often showed figures in theatrical poses. In 1881, his La Muerte de Cleopatra won him a silver medal and came in second place. Luna enrolled at the Escuela Nautica de Manila (now Philippine Merchant Marine Academy) and became a sailor.
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