Juan Luna was a man known for his many talents and professions, but most acknowledged for his expertise in painting. “Luna produced most of his work in the Romantic and early Impressionist styles. Nurtured in the academic classical canons then prevalent all over the western world, Luna followed the conventional steps in attaining professional success, such as obtaining prizes with colossal Graeco-Roman canvases in the grand Classico- Romantic manner at prestigious salons in Europe” (www.geringerart.com). In 1881, Luna took 2nd prize at the National Exposition of Fine Arts in Madrid, Spain for his canvas Death of Cleopatra. The Spoliarium, one of Luna’s more widely known artistic pieces was not only the largest canvas painting he had ever created, but also gave him the gold medal in the 1884 National Exposition of Fine Arts in Madrid, Spain. Another popular piece created by Luna was known as the Blood Compact, which had won him 1st prize at the National Exposition in Paris, France in 1886, and an award at the St. Louis Exposition in 1904. Luna made his living selling most of his artwork. Philippines, Spain, and other European countries continue to house many of his artwork in their museums and galleries. References:
Image: "Spolarium" |