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Biography
Born on October 23, 1857 in the town of Badoc, Ilocos Norte in the northern Philippines, Juan
N. Luna was the third among the seven children of Joaquín Posadas Luna and Laureana Ancheta
Novicio-Luna. In 1861, the Luna family moved to Manila and he went to Ateneo Municipal de
Manila where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree. He excelled in painting and drawing, and
was influenced by his brother, Manuel N. Luna, who, according to Filipino patriot José Rizal,
was a better painter than Juan himself. Luna enrolled at Escuela Nautica de Manila
(now Philippine Merchant Marine Academy) and became a sailor. He took drawing lessons
under the illustrious painting teacher Lorenzo Guerrero of Ermita, Manila. He also enrolled in
the Academy of Fine Arts(Academia de Dibujo y Pintura) in Manila where he was influenced
and taught how to draw by the Spanish artist Agustin Saez. Unfortunately, Luna's vigorous brush
strokes displeased his teacher and Luna was discharged from the academy. However, Guerrero
was impressed by his skill and urged Luna to travel to Cubao to further pursue his work.
Juan Luna is considered one of the greatest Filipino artists in Philippine history with
masterpieces such as Spolarium, The Death of Cleopatra and Blood Compact. Not only did he
excel in artistry, but he was also a political activist during the time of the Philippine Revolution
during the late 19th century. His close friendship with National Hero Jose Rizal has sparked
Philippine nationalism and pride. Juan Luna was mostly known for his works as being dramatic
and dynamic, focusing on romanticism and realism styles of art.