How the long-lost masterpiece of Juan Luna was found
JUAN LUNA MASTERPIECE – An art collector shared the story of how he found the long-lost “Hymen, oh Hymeenèe,” dubbed as the “Holy Grail of Philippine Art.”
In an interview with ANC’s “Headstart,” art collector Jaime de Leon shared the fascinating story of how he stumbled upon the long-lost artwork after years of relentless search. Describing it as the “Holy Grail of Philippine Art,” de Leon explained that the painting has been widely known, albeit in black and white prints, engravings, and books from the 19th century. However, it was his personal quest to track down the original piece.
De Leon recalled receiving information about the painting approximately 15 years ago from Dr. Eleuterio Pascual, who had seen it 50 years prior. Despite not having a lead on its whereabouts, de Leon was determined to find it, driven by the belief that the painting still existed and had survived the war.
He tirelessly approached individuals, even nobility, to inquire about the painting. Armed with an album of titled families from Spain and France, de Leon reached out to them, knocking on their doors in his pursuit of this cherished artwork.
Finally, in 2014, he received a call that led him to an aristocratic home in Spain. As he entered the drawing room, he was greeted with a sight he could hardly believe – the long-lost masterpiece.
After a series of negotiations, de Leon successfully acquired the painting in 2014 and brought it back to the Philippines in 2017. However, it remained stored in a crate until last year. Now, as part of the commemoration of the Philippines’ 125th Independence Day on June 12, the painting is proudly on display at the Ayala Museum.
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