Work of Art

Artwork: Tampuhan 

Artist: Juan Luna, officially published in 1895.

    Today's artwork review is Juan Luna's masterpiece which is "Tampuhan". In my perspective, the painting is absolutely and straightforward. Its meaning radiates clearly despite the old nature of the artwork. If we are to break down the artwork’s meaning, we can take into consideration the following: lighting, costume, materials, set, place, people, the story and so much more.

This impressionist artwork, as hinted by the household objects surrounding the subjects,  is set inside a living room and judging from the lighting Juan Luna has provided, it is during the daytime. The angle of the painting was enough to show that this living room is housed by a rich family living in an elite neighbourhood (neighbouring women in front with a red flag); the polished floors, the well-constructed balcony, the women wearing Filipiniana dresses all contribute to the fact that the subjects in the artwork come from wealthy families. Mainly, the painting projects the rich and timeless Filipino culture of courtship and romantic relationships. Truly, this part of Philippine culture has been lingering around for countless decades, the painting hints at this by showing the outfit of the woman in the artwork being a traditional Filipiniana dress. To add, this oil-based masterpiece was completed and published in 1895, this further testifies to the longevity of the Filipino culture of courtship and romantic relationships.

I would like to further study the painting by tackling the more personal, human, and emotional aspects that the artwork expresses. In my viewpoint, I am in awe that even without the hint of its title, the painting blatantly shows “Tampuhan”, which translates to, “lovers’ quarrel”. By carefully observing the body language of both people in the painting, I felt a lingering emotional tension. Undoubtedly, the two people in the artwork are expressing disappointment, sadness, and frustration. As a Filipino, I would like to share that I’ve personally witnessed “Tampuhan” during times that my friends would personally talk to me in regards to their quarrels with their lovers.

   

    As I have done my best to unravel whether or not “Tampuhan” was commissioned, I wasn’t, unfortunately, able to find either a solid yes or no. I took the time to view Juan Luna’s other masterpieces that weren’t also clearly stated whether done by commission or done personally. I noticed that these masterpieces were depictions of Filipino life and culture, which are unlike his commissioned works such as “La Batalla De Lepanto” and “El Pacto De Sangre”.

I believe that Juan Luna created “Tampuhan” under his own accord. I believe that Juan Luna created this artwork as an artistic expression of his love for his homeland’s rich and timeless culture.

My perspective gives me the thought that this artwork isn’t for anyone specifically, but rather reaches out to every Filipino who will and has undergone courtship and the inevitable “Tampuhan". 

    As I carefully perform my interpretation of “Tampuhan”, I clearly can tell, without previous knowledge whatsoever,  that this masterpiece was done around the 1800s. The way it depicts Filipinos clearly show that it wasn’t done during the 21st century, but rather numerous decades before. 

It is extremely crystal clear that the artist was projecting the message of one of the inevitable attributes romantic love possesses, which is occasional misunderstandings. I am highly pleased and impressed that a masterpiece like this, in all its simplicity, would project such a direct message that every person relates to. It is truly a solid testament to Juan Luna’s artistry.