SwissArtGallery · Documented identity
Juan Luna (1857–1899), born in Badoc in the Philippines, travelled to Spain in 1877 and studied in Madrid, then under Alejo Vera in Rome. His history painting quickly gained European recognition. The Death of Cleopatra, painted in 1881, preceded Spoliarium, which won a first-class medal at Madrid’s National Exhibition of Fine Arts in 1884.
Luna subsequently settled in Paris, participating in Salons while continuing to receive Spanish commissions. His work expanded into portraiture and contemporary social subjects: Les Ignorés of 1890–1891 marks this shift towards realism. His career between Europe and the Philippines accompanied his country’s cultural affirmation under colonial rule. Spoliarium, held by the National Museum of the Philippines, remains emblematic of that artistic recognition. National Gallery Singapore presented a major comparative exhibition with Raden Saleh in 2017–2018.
This profile brings together identity references for Juan Luna and paintings, drawings and works on paper documented in auction catalogues.
Artcurial Beurret Bailly Widmer
References include catalogue entries and available results; they do not all represent completed sales. Attributed works and special lots are excluded from the priced results.
Oil on wood
König Alphonso XII. von Spanien
Öl auf Holz
Catalogue period : 2023-03-22
Published result : 39418 CHF
Including buyer’s premium
Estimate : CHF 30000–40000
View the lot at the auction house ↗
Oil on wood
Beim Spazierengehen
Öl auf Holz
Catalogue period : 2022-06-22
Published result : 30221 CHF
Including buyer’s premium
Estimate : CHF 8000–12000
View the lot at the auction house ↗SwissArtGallery documentary note based on the cited sources. Titles, media and qualifications are provided in the profile language; the original catalogue wording remains available in each record.
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