Pinay artist donates Rizal painting to Spain museum

A Filipina artist has donated portraits of Dr. Jose Rizal and Cuban national hero José Martí to the Casa Museo León y Castillo in Telde, Gran Canaria, the Philippine Embassy in Madrid said.

In a news release posted on its website Tuesday, the embassy said Isabel Echevarría's donation made last July 9 will be part of the museum's permanent collection.

According to the embassy, the two paintings were done in acrylic and oil on canvas and will be displayed alongside images of the man the museum was named after: Fernando León y Castillo, a prominent diplomat in late 19th century and early 20th century Spain.

Echevarría said it was an honor for her to bring together important historical figures of the past through her paintings.

"Both personalities were of great influence in the history of not only the Philippines and Cuba, but also of Spain," the embassy said.

Receiving the two portraits were Casa Museo León y Castillo director Antonio Gonzaléz Padrón of Telde.

Larry Álvarez Cadera, Councilor for Culture, National Heritage and Museum of the City Council of Gran Canaria, presided over the event.

During the ceremony, famous literary works written by both heroes were presented.

Juan Francisco Gonzalez Diaz, a Cuban poet and narrator, read the “Yugo y Estrella” of José Marti while Rosario Valcárcel, also a poet and narrator, read Rizal's “Mi Ultimo Adios.” — Joel Locsin/BM, GMA News