New ecclesiastical pieces on view at Palacio de Memoria museum
PALACIO DE MEMORIA has expanded its collection of Euro-Filipino art pieces in its museum with new ecclesiastical pieces ranging from paintings of religious figures and ivory statues, to church furnishings.
The majority of the museum’s ecclesiastic collection dates back to the 14th century, though it has pieces that span that period into the 20th century. Among the new items at the museum are unique portraits of religious figures in unusual figurations, including Christ, the Virgin Mary, and different saints.
“We are the third largest Catholic country in the world, and our religion is an important part of our history and our identity as Filipinos,” said Palacio de Memoria general manager Camille Lhuillier in a statement. “Aside from their artistic merits, we hope the new pieces in our museum will help enlighten people about our Christian cultural heritage.”
There are paintings depicting religious life, including a 17th century painting from Spain showing the martyrdom of Saints Fausto, Jenaro, and Marcial of Cordoba, as well as an oil painting dating back to the 17th century FlemishSpanish school portraying the scourging of Christ.
Also part of the new selection are ivory icons of ethical provenance, such as a Madonna and Child sculpture from 18th century Portugal and the Crucified Christ figure encased in a wooden frame. There are also reliquaries of venerated individuals including the apostles and various saints.
The museum collection extends to church artifacts like furniture, altar pieces, and other items used in a liturgical ceremony. This includes a wooden oratorio with a tableau of the Holy Family in polychrome terracotta, a two-seat choir stall from 18th century Portugal, a wooden processional cross from Spain, and a bishop’s chair from Bolivia with a depiction of a relief of Archangel Michael and the Blessed Virgin along its wooden frame.
Aside from the new pieces, the museum will also soon serve as a chapel where religious gatherings such as weddings or baptisms can be held.
Palacio de Memoria is located at 95 Roxas Boulevard, Tambo, Parañaque. Tours are available upon request. For more information, visit https:// www.palaciodememoria.com or follow @ thepalaciodememoria on Facebook and @palacio. de.memoria on Instagram.