Las Virgenes Cristianas Expuestas al Populacho

An oil on canvas painting measuring , Las Virgenes Cristianas Expuestas al Populacho is a "landmark painting" depicting the persecution of Christians in Ancient Rome. The semi-nude women have been stripped not only of their garments but also of their dignity. The women are young virgins cornered by a mob of "sexually hungry" Roman men. ==The artist==

Hidalgo's works, together with Juan Luna's, are part of the Hall of Masters in the National Museum of Fine Arts of the National Museum of the Philippines. By winning medals at the Madrid Exposition, both Hidalgo and Juan Luna are the first "international" Filipino painters. It was regardless who won the first or the second prize because these awards were primarily "gauges of quality" of the artwork. Hidalgo is regarded as a Philippine hero for his participation in acting his role as a correspondent for the La Independencia newspaper. ==Historical background==

After winning at the Exposition in Madrid, a small group of Filipino expatriates and members of the Philippine reform movement held a victory celebration. During the party, José Rizal gave a speech regarding the achievement of Hidalgo and Luna as a proof that the talents of Filipino artists equaled those of the Spaniards. In relation to such evidence, Rizal questioned the inequality in political rights and freedom between Filipinos and Spaniards. Graciano Lopez-Jaena in turn orated that Hidalgo and Luna were propaganda painters who exposed the "lamentable conditions" of the Philippines while under the tutelage of the Spaniards. ==Exhibitions==

From late 2009 through March 2010, Las Virgenes Cristianas Expuestas al Populacho became a part of the Thrice Upon A Time: A Century Of Story In The Art Of The Philippines exhibit, an exposition held at the Singapore Art Museum. The show, presenting the best artworks of Filipino artists, was held in conjunction with the In The Eye Of Modernity exhibit that presented neo-realist artworks from Manila's Ateneo Art Gallery. Both exhibitions marked the 40-year anniversary of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Singapore. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was present during the opening ceremony and viewing of Hidalgo's masterpiece. From 2015 until 2020, the painting was on a five-year loan to National Gallery Singapore as part of its art galleries chronicling the progress of Southeast Asian art from the 19th century to the present through its inaugural exhibition titled Between Declaration and Dreams. ==See also==