THE SPOLIARIUM

The Spoliarium is a painting created by Filipino painter Juan Luna. The Spoliarium depicts an event during the Roman empire, where gladiators die for entertainment. The painting shows how gladiators are being dragged mercilessly by men towards an unknown darkness, where other tragically killed gladiators are brought. To the left is a cheering crowd, screaming for blood while to the right, a woman is crouched and seemingly in sorrow.

The painting shows a tragic event, definitely. But it also shows a deeper meaning, especially for the Filipinos during the time of the Spanish colonization (which lasted over 333 years!). According to art experts, the fallen gladiators who are being dragged are the Filipino people, while the men dragging them into the darkness are representative of the Spanish rule. The woman crouched on the right side of the painting is believed to be the Mother Country or the Inang Bayan who weeps for her Philippines. The blood thirsty crowd to the left is a representation of the social cancer of that time. Truly, there is more than meets the eye when it comes to Luna's painting.

Grab from movie Heneral Luna

After Luna is killed, he is dragged through one arm to the side of the convent, reminiscent of the famous Spolarium painting, which was painted by his brother Juan Luna.

Source:                 https://arthistory.knoji.com/

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