Art Appreciation

Caraga State University

Activity: Painting Analysis

The Blood Compact

Artist: Juan Luna
Year: 1886

Instruction: Analyze the image of the painting and answer 50-100 words the questions.

Questions:

1. What is/are the subject/s of the painting?

Juan Luna’s artwork “The Blood Compact” is a Representational art subject since it
depicts a real-life incident. Furthermore, the painting’s subject is History because it
depicts genuine historical events with the objective of either remembering or teaching
learners about past lessons.

2. What do you think is the content of the painting?

Different layers of meaning can be used to define the painting's content. To begin
with, the painting's factual meaning portrays the Philippines and Spain as equal partners
with the same social rank, disguising the truth of Spanish conquest aggression and racial
hatred towards the natives. Second, the common meaning: A Blood Compact
(Sanduguan) is an old Filipino rite used to solidify a friendship, covenant, or agreement.
Finally, the painter intends to underline the two's intimate and equal relationship by
solemnly lifting their blood-filled glasses.