The Spoliarium is a stunning and massive painting of 13.8 ft × 25.

18 ft in the first floor of the National Art

Museum. It is an oil painting on canvas by the renowned Filipino artist, Juan Luna. Luna spent eight
months completing the painting and upon submission to the Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes in 1884
in Madrid, the painting garnered its first gold medal (out of three to be awarded).In 1950’s it was
returned by Spain to Manila. The setting is said to recreate a Roman circus, a large open-air venue used
for public events in the ancient Roman Empire. It gives prominence to the dead and dying gladiators
which are stripped of their garments and weaponry, and are being dragged to carcasses of other
gladiators. On the left side of the painting, there is an audience of people seeming to only speculate the
carnage of gladiators. While on the right side, there appears to be mourning family members, in search
for their loved ones on the piles of dead bodies in the background. It is a painting with a dark color
scheme and an even darker subject. Basically, Spoliarium is emphasized the violation of human rights
towards the colonizers of Spain and Juan Luna expressed his patriotism through it.

The first thing we'll notice about Spoliarium Oil in Canvas is its size itself no doubt that the painting
commands attention and gives off a majestic aura. It is the largest painting in the Philippines so far . The
painting has an overall Renaissance vibe to it.The form and sculpt of the bodies are similar to body types
common in Renaissance paintings.The lines are soft, granting a naturalistic and realistic scene. It is not a
mural as it is not painted on a wall Heavy Strong Brush Stroke Captured Pathos and Barbarism. The color
in the painting is mostly red, white and blue. The painter made use of warm colors for his work of art,
with reds being a central color that attracts the most attention. It’s about Four injured and dying
gladiators who entertained their oppressors in the arena with their lives are being dragged in by Roman
soldiers in the dark and dingy crematory. In the use of color, he creates a harmonious relationship
between the red in the center of the painting and shade of green in the darkness. The shape involved in
the painting also creates a point of interest that harmoniously relates to the color of the painting.the
shape creates a more bolder scene. The corpses that are dragged is painted with a ratio 9:1, the body is
nine times bigger than that of the head. The same also is true with regards to the aged man who
watches at the side. Vertical Lines - evidenced by the straight body of the oppressors suggest strength
and stability. Horizontal Lines - seen on the dead person which express an impression of serenity and
response. Diagonal Lines - clearly shown in the arms of men pulling the wounded gladiators toward the
other room. Curved Lines - there is dominant use of curved lines as shown in the muscles the arms, legs
and backs of the gladiators.

This artwork depicts the inner political and sociocultural views; as well as the sentiments of a Filipino
master painter. The painting circulates around bloodied gladiators who were once a symbol of greatness
and splendor, however, lost, and now being dragged like slaves. In the context of nationalism and
freedom from the Spaniards, the painting tells the viewers about the oppressions and exploitations of
those who were inpower (Spaniards) against the Filipinos, thus, the viewers (specificaly the Filipinos)
were enthused to stand and fight the oppressor.

Definitely the painting shows a true downfall; a great tragedy: the gladiators actually depict our country,
The Philippines, as a country which was once clad with rich culture, but it took a turn for loss – leaving
themselves to be dragged like slaves, stripped of weaponry to fight, and garments to retain dignity. The
Romans dragging the remnants of the gladiators portray our country’s colonizers who oppressed and
suppressed us of our dignity, strength, and will. The spectators are said to represent the Filipino citizens
who had the power to do something for our country, yet stayed as bystanders watching the downfall of
our nation. On the other hand, the mourning people represent the Filipinos who were still hoping for
glory. The dimly lit lamps represent the little hope the people have. Thus, the Spoliarium have
excellently portrayed the essence of the political, social, and moral lives of the Filipino during the period
of the Spaniard colonization.

Luna’s Spoliarium will forever have a spot as one of the most remarkable treasures of the Philippine Arts
because of its significance as a subject, brilliance as an artwork, and splendor as a masterpiece. It is a
milestone touching the hearts of true Filipinos and it makes our loud disposition as a country known for
the unwary masses. This piece inspires, because it does not hold back from the realistic portrayal of
suffering that must have been undergone and does not romanticize the torture that can be seen not
only in the painting, but also in the world around us.

Referrences:

 https://pdfcoffee.com/spoliarium-by-juan-luna-analysis-and-interpretation-pdf-free.html
 https://www.google.com/amp/s/lishadailyblogs.wordpress.com/2018/09/28/spoliarium-by-
juan-luna-art-criticism/amp/