NAME: SILVINO, JAMES R.

JAN ANDREI FRIAS

VIOLENCE AND DESPAIR

I. Introduction

Formalist criticism deals with the analysis of the composition factors of a work of art
like the structure, the arrangement of colors, the lines, the texture, and the lighting
without paying attention to the external factors such as the historical background, the
life of the artist, or the political factors. Doing the same with Juan Luna’s Spoliarium
offers detailed analysis on how the artist manipulates these factors to summon feelings
and meanings. Studying the painting’s medium and design elements helps to explain
how the technical side of Luna’s work adds to the impact of the artwork.

II. Summary

Painting Spoliarium by Juan Luna is a huge painting that exhibits in its brutal depiction
the defeated gladiators being pulled into the spoliarium , a room in which defeated
gladiators had their armor removed. It illustrates the complete lack of empathy of the
Roman soldiers in contrast with the pain that the gladiators are undergoing. The
attention shifts to the nearly comatose but still living gladiators, the figures whose
bodies are stretched on the canvas,abolished by the multicolor scheme. The Roman
arena serves as the gloomy backdrop – the architecture is dark and heavy, which further
accentuates the truth of the scene. The combination of these illumination techniques
together with color range achieve the empathy that the painting Spoliarium aims to
bring, as well as the profound tragedy that the composition of the painting evokes in the
viewers.

III – Analysis

From the standpoint of formalism, one can examine the medium and design of
Spoliarium in the manner that follows:

Medium: Spoliarium was executed by Luna in oil on canvas, a classic medium used in
painting that allows for exquisite detailing, tonal variation, and texture. With this
medium, Luna was able to create images with great realism, especially with respect to
human figures and the effects of light on them.

Composition: The composition of the painting is quite active and theatrical, and it
captures the focus and interest of viewers because the figures are arranged in a way
that invites the direction of their gaze to move over the surface of the canvas. The use
of cross lines in the positioning of the bodies of the gladiators and the movements of
the soldiers evokes a feeling of action and increases the degree of tension of the scene
that is being depicted. The attention of the audience is captivated by the central figure
of a fallen gladiator and then directed outwards to the other features of the painting.

Color: Luna employs a muted earthy color palette complemented by dark reds, browns,
and blacks. In turn, the colors add to the overall emotional and tragic feeling of the
painting. The contrasted colors with the light accents, especially on the couches of the
gladiators, underline the pain and struggle of these characters. Through the muted
tones, the artist attempts to illustrate the emotional weight of the scene, indicating both
suffering and the feel of despair.

Diaz portrays a stark contrast between light and shadow in his artwork Spoliarium using
chiaroscuro techniques. Almost all the bodies of the gladiators in the painting are
highlighted, focusing on their muscular structure, wounds, and even the emotions on
their faces. The shadows, especially those at the back and floor, really bring the painting
to life. The light further sets the mood for the painting, turning the viewers attention to
the Romans who are quite indifferently watching the suffering of humanity unfold.

The lines on monocromic version of the painting appear quite free flowing, which adds a
sense of energetic motion. At first glance it may appear that the textures are done
rather poorly but upon closer inspection, one can identify the intricate details that clearly
indicate that the painting is of gladiators, the folds of skin, clothes, and even the floor.
The unique combination of colors helps the viewer touch and feel the scene.

IV. Evaluation

The formal elements of Spoliarium are well done, showing Luna’s sculpting skills as
well as his talent in using light, color, and composition to stir feelings. The use of strong
contrasts between light and dark areas, together with the active positions of the figures,
adds to the emotional drama of the work, making one sense the sadness of the
suffering gladiators. The figure of the deceased soldiers is well defined with Luna’s
attention to detail from the muscles to the arena and brings a depth of realism that
gives strong emotion to the tragedy of the scene.

V. Conclusion

To summarize, a formalist criticism of Spoliarium indicates how fully Juan Luna was
able to apply the oil on canvas technique to a composition that included design
elements such as composition, color, light, line, and texture, to produce an artwork that
is not only aesthetically pleasing but also tells a compelling story. Through the skilled
application of oil, Luna was able to elevate the painting beyond the depiction of an
arbitrary scene. It became a portrayal of deep human agony and the horrific existence of
the Roman Empire. Spoliarium, as other works of art, seeks to achieve a great beauty
and, in the process, engages the emotions and intellect of the beholder, which explains
Luna’s place in Philippine art history.