Juan Luna Parisian Painting Review

1. The Parisian Life, masterpiece of the greatest Filipino painter and patriot Juan
Luna. This is also known as Interior d’Un Café or Inside Café. This painting is consid-
ered a national treasure of our country and it continues to fascinate and mystify modern
audiences with new thrill of interpretation which reveals mystery. It serves as attribute
to great Filipinos who have that great love for our country and continually appreciating
its genuine message. We Filipinos deserve a historically valuable artwork that has vari-
ous interpretations regarding nationalism.
Set in the corner of the painting is lady seating in the sofa, awkwardly poised and
was identified as flirt and prostitute. Compared to ordinary and educated women theses
ask just a cheap price of talent fee. However, if you look closely, the lady forms a mirror
image of the Philippine archipelago. It was really impressive because Kawit, Cavite, the
site of birth of Philippine Independence is on the lady’s womb by which it is the place for
birth of freedom. On the other hand, there are three gentlemen in the other corner. It is
interesting note that men in the painting are the three Filipino heroes: Jose Rizal, Juan
Luna and Ariston Bautista. They played very vital roles in the Philippine revolution or
actions done to commit freedom. Juan Luna together with Jose Rizal has been very ac-
tive in the Philippine propaganda movement whom they worked with Ariston Bautista.
Ultimately, they’ve become friends and the most important fruits of their friendship is
the painting itself. They change the course of the Philippine history by allowing the
womb of the lady to bear fruit, the fruit of freedom which continually growing until to-
day.
Also the coat and hat at the couch symbolizes western lifestyle which adapted by
wealthy Filipinos. The beers on the table were also interpreted on how Spaniards take
advantage of the Philippines while Filipinos are drunk and unaware. At the present, The
Parisian Life is owned by GSIS Museum and currently exhibited at the National Muse-
um of the Philippines. Even though Juan Luna died long time ago his artworks still live
with Filipinos even in these modern days. We should felt even more pride for our mother-
land and that we need to value our heritage.
THE PARISIAN LIFE
“A Review”