Spolarium by Juan Luna 1884
The gruesome death caused by gladiatorial matches is the focal point of the painting’s perspective on Roman history. The basement of the Roman Colosseum, where the fallen and dying gladiators are disposed of and stripped of their material possessions, is known by the Latin word spoliarium. The painting shows how the gladiators have been placed there for Rome’s entertainment after they die, and the spectators simply take their belongings as their loved ones weep and grieve. Juan Luna used this as a hidden manner to describe the Filipino people’s suffering at the hands of the Spaniards, who also treat them similarly to Roman gladiators.
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