The Louvre Abu Dhabi welcomes the Philippine National Cultural Treasure "A woman from Plackcan"

Abu Dhabi, June 17 / WAM / The Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum and the National Museum of the Philippines revealed the iconic oily painting “Woman from Pollacan” by the Philippine artist Juan Luna, currently shown in the museum halls.
The party was attended by His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum, His Excellency Alfonso Ferdinand, Ambassador of the Philippine Republic to the UAE, and Goriel M. Legasby, Deputy Director General of the National Museum of the Philippines.
This historical event represents the fruit of the first direct cooperation between the museums, and it also contributes to promoting cultural dialogue, which is witnessing a great momentum between the two countries.
The classification of the “Woman from Pollacan” painting was announced with a Filipino national cultural treasure in 2008, and it is currently on the Louvre Abu Dhabi, where it will remain displayed in the museum for one year until June 2026, which gives visitors a unique opportunity to delve into the identity and history of the Philippines and artistic expression in it.
His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak said: The display of this exceptional artistic masterpiece in the Louvre Abu Dhabi is a vivid embodiment of the museum’s vision based on adopting a global view and promoting international cultural exchange; Culture is the one that links peoples, and our common human values ​​emerge, and the deepening of the bonds of understanding between our various societies around the world, and by displaying the painting “Woman from Plackcan”, the museum visitors in Abu Dhabi have a unique opportunity to dive in the depths of the cultural context of this work and its artistic history, which opens a new window to know the rich and amazing cultural heritage of the Philippines.
Alfonso Ferdinand, Ambassador of the Philippine Republic, stressed the importance of this event as a witness to strengthening bilateral relations between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates.

The artist Juan Luna, one of the most famous Philippines artists, painted the painting “Woman from Plackcan”, which embodies his unique ability to mix the European academic traditions and his deep sense of the Philippine identity, where this artistic masterpiece was completed in 1895 during the Spanish occupation of the Philippines, where a young Filipino woman from the city of Pollacan known for its richness, cultural paper, and her patriotic feelings, in the form It reflects dignity and elegance.
The character in the painting is adorned with the Filipino traditional costume consisting of, “Kamisa” (shirt), “Saya” (the long skirt), “Panollo” (neck cover), and “tabes” (the over the skirt), and it carries a fan and a handkerchief; It is like symbols that refer to dignity and the highness of social status, and also reflects the Spanish colonial influence.

The choice of the artist Luna is a filming of a Filipino woman, instead of a woman from the European noble class, a bold challenge to the traditional concepts of artistic hierarchy, and a restoration of the local identity in an era in which the country was subject to colonial rule.
The presence of this painting in the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum enhances its commitment to adopting a global view of culture, as it is displayed between the “Chocolate cup” of August Renoir, which includes another mysterious female figure, and the “Bohemian” painting of Edward Manet, and expands the painting of “Woman from Plackcan” the museum’s horizons in displaying modernity and portrait art.
Manuel Rabatiyeh, director of the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum, said: The “Woman from Plackcan” painting is not just a personal photo; Rather, it is a strong symbol of the national identity and cultural pride, expressing the pride of the Louvre Abu Dhabi to present this precious masterpiece to the Arab world for the first time, in cooperation with the National Museum of the Philippines.

He added: The painting of the artist Juan Luna reflects the touch of dignity and its deep connection to the Philippine heritage, as well as deeply consistent with our mission as a leading cultural institution in the United Arab Emirates, where we list stories that exceed the borders, we maintain identity, and expand the horizons of understanding through art, and the borrowing of this Philippine national treasure is enhanced exceptionally the narrative of the International Museum by highlighting the voice of Southeast Asia to become in the core Our global dialogue.
Jiel M. said. Legasby, Deputy Director General of the National Museum of the Philippines: Despite the feelings of nostalgia that we have in the National Museum when we temporarily separate this dear painting, the opportunity to share it with the diverse and vital Abu Dhabi audience sends us a greater feeling of joy, describing Abu Dhabi as a global meeting place for ideas and cultures, and provides the optimal framework for the genius of Luna – and what the Filipino art presented and the art of Southeast Asia is a prominent contribution to the global cultural heritage, expressing his pride in the idea that this painting will bring a feeling of familiarity and belonging to the Filipinoes residing in the UAE and the Middle East region in a broader way.
The arrival of the painting “Woman from Pollacan”, which was obtained by the National Museum of the Philippines and preserved during the turbulent period during World War II, to Abu Dhabi is a prominent technical and historical station, and this exceptional oil masterpiece will remain displayed in the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum until June 2026, which allows visitors a unique opportunity to closely explore it.

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