After the withdrawal of the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) from being sold in an auction, the bronze bust of Juan Luna y Novicio was finally turned over to the National Fine Arts Collection on October 10.
The heritage artifact was molded in 1884 by Spanish sculptor Mariano Benlliure. The bust’s whereabouts stemmed from the destruction of the National Library and Collection during World War II in February 1945.
Following this rumor, the identity of the bust’s scavenger was either a junk collector or pushcart vendor, yet it was said to have been sold to Ireneo Cristobal, a carver at Taller de Escultura who recognized Benlliure’s works.
Years later, it was speculated that Cristobal transacted with the next owner, Elsie “Inday” Cadapan, and then sold it once again in 1979 to East Asia Corporation, an affiliate of MIB Capital Corporation.
It was National Museum Director and Director General Jeremy Barns who wrote to MIB Capital Corporation and Salcedo Auctions to halt the artifact in their sale.
“I am sure you agree that it must somehow be recovered by the government through appropriate and hopefully amicable means and that your support and cooperation in such an endeavor would be vital,” Barns wrote.
After the authenticity confirmation of the Mariano Benlliure Foundation, the negotiations between NMP and MIB Capital Corporation and Salcedo auctions began, ending with the decision to officially turn the bust into its rightful home.
Public viewing starts on October 11, exhibited next to Juan Luna’s famous Spolarium painting. It is, however, miraculous that Juan Luna is resurfacing.
Recently, in early June, one of Juan Luna’s masterpieces, “Hymen, oh Hyménée!” was discovered and is now displayed in the Ayala Museum.
Photo Credit:
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