Las Virgenes Cristianas Expuestas al Populacho

"Las Virgenes Cristianas Expuestas al Populacho" also known in English as "The Christian Virgins Exposed to the Populace" is a renowned historical painting created in 1884 by Filipino artist Félix Resurrección Hidalgo. This masterpiece vividly illustrates the persecution of Christians in Ancient Rome, featuring two Christian female slaves being humiliated by Roman onlookers. The painting garnered a silver medal at the 1884 Exposición General de Bellas Artes in Madrid, Spain, marking a significant milestone for Filipino artists achieving recognition in Europe.

Celebrated as a national treasure in the Philippines, a copy of this painting is held within the art collection of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Regrettably, the original was destroyed in a fire at the University of Valladolid in Spain. Currently, the copy is on loan to the National Gallery Singapore, where it is prominently featured in the Southeast Asian art galleries.

Hidalgo's work, alongside that of fellow Filipino artist Juan Luna, is prominently displayed in the Hall of Masters at the National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila. Both artists are recognized as the first internationally acclaimed Filipino painters, and their accomplishments underscore the extraordinary caliber of their work. Hidalgo is revered not only for his artistic contributions but also for his role as a correspondent for the newspaper La Independencia, thus earning the status of a national hero in the Philippines.

The historical context of this painting includes a celebration by Filipino expatriates and members of the Philippine reform movement, following the successes of Hidalgo and Luna in Madrid. Key figures such as Pedro Paterno and José Rizal played instrumental roles in advancing Filipino art and talent on the global stage.

"Las Virgenes Cristianas Expuestas al Populacho" has been exhibited in various prestigious venues, including the Singapore Art Museum's "Thrice Upon A Time: A Century Of Story In The Art Of The Philippines." This exhibit honored Filipino artists and commemorated the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Singapore, highlighting the painting's enduring significance in the art world.