The Spoliarium is the most valuable oil-on-canvas painting by Juan Luna, a Filipino educated at the Academia de Dibujo y Pintura (Philippines) and at the Academia de San Fernando in Madrid, Spain. With a size of 4.22 meters x 7.675 meters, it is the largest painting in the Philippines. A historical painting, it was made by Luna in 1884 as an entry to the prestigious Exposicion de Bellas Artes (Madrid Art Exposition, May 1884) and eventually won for him the First Gold Medal.
The painting features a glimpse of Roman history centered on the bloody carnage brought by gladiatorial matches. Spoliarium is a Latin word referring to the basement of the Roman Colosseum where the fallen and dying gladiators are dumped and devoid of their worldly possessions.
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The Spoliarium, Painting of Juan Luna
(Photo by Sol Albar for Princess Sol Diaries) |
At the center of Luna’s painting are fallen gladiators being dragged by Roman soldiers. On the left, spectators ardently await their chance to strip off the combatants of their metal helmets and another armory. In contrast with the charged emotions featured on the left, the right side meanwhile presents a somber mood. An old man carries a torch perhaps searching for his son while a woman weeps the death of her loved one.
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The Spolarium, Painting of Juan Luna
(Photo by Sol Albar for Princess Sol Diaries) |
The paintings were huge almost dwarfing the onlookers.
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La Tragederia de Gobernador Bustamante
(Photo by: Sol Albar for Princess Sol Diaries) |
Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo’s La Tragederia de Gobernador Bustamante.
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La Tregederia de Gobernador Bustamante
Painting of Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo's
(Photo by Sol Albar for Princess Sol Diaries) |
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The National Museum of the Philippines
(Photo by Sol Albar for Princess Sol Diaries) |
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Hall of Masters ~ Bulwagang Luna at Hidalgo
(Photo by Sol Albar for Princess Sol Diaries) |
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Portrait of Master Painter Juan Luna in Oil Canvas
(Photo by Sol Albar for Princess Sol Diaries) |
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Sculpture of Juan Luna
(Photo by Sol Albar for Princess Sol Diaries) |
~ More Paintings ~
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| (Photo by Sol Albar for Princess Sol Diaries) |
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Painting of Juan Luna
(Photo by Sol Albar for Princess Sol Diaries) |
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Painting of Juan Luna
(Photo by Sol Albar for Princess Sol Diaries) |
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Painting of Juan Luna
(Photo by Sol Albar for Princess Sol Diaries) |
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Unfinished Painting of Juan Luna
(Photo by Sol Albar for Princess Sol Diaries) |
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Unfinished Painting of Juan Luna
(Photo by Sol Albar for Princess Sol Diaries) |
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Painting of Felix Resureccion Hidalgo
(Photo by Sol Albar for Princess Sol Diaries) |
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| (Photo by Sol Albar for Princess Sol Diaries) |
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| (Photo by Sol Albar for Princess Sol Diaries) |
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| (Photo by Sol Albar for Princess Sol Diaries) |
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| (Photo by Sol Albar for Princess Sol Diaries) |
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| (Photo by Sol Albar for Princess Sol Diaries) |
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| (Photo by Sol Albar for Princess Sol Diaries) |
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| (Photo by Sol Albar for Princess Sol Diaries) |
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| (Photo by Sol Albar for Princess Sol Diaries) |
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| (Photo by Sol Albar for Princess Sol Diaries) |
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| (Photo by Sol Albar for Princess Sol Diaries) |
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| (Photo by Sol Albar for Princess Sol Diaries) |
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| (Photo by Sol Albar for Princess Sol Diaries) |
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| (Photo by Sol Albar for Princess Sol Diaries) |
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| (Photo by Sol Albar for Princess Sol Diaries) |
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| (Photo by Sol Albar for Princess Sol Diaries) |
ADMISSION TO NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE PHILIPPINES NOW FREE
Visitors can now enjoy the cultural treasures and artwork inside the National Museum of the Philippines completely free of charge on a permanent basis as of July 1, 2016. The move is designed to enhance universal access to the museum for all Filipinos.
In addition to the National Museum, visitors may also visit the following sites completely free of charge: The National Art Gallery, the National Museum of Anthropology, the National Museum of Natural History. and the National Planetarium.
Regional Museums can also be found in Palawan, Bohol, Butuan, Cebu, Marinduque, and Jolo.
The National Museum of the Philippines is open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 10am to 5pm.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Admission
Free of Charge
Opening Hours
Tuesdays to Sundays, 10:00am to 5:00pm
Closed on Mondays
Location
Padre Burgos Drive, Manila, Philippines
Website:
