The Assassination of General Antonio
Luna
signed and dated 2011 (lower right)
oil on canvas
60” x 72” (152 cm x 183 cm)

Juanito Torres has made a name for himself by painting large paintings depicting important scenes straight out of Philippine history. A product of the University of the Philippines, Torres’ works exhibit both a high level of technical aptitude and in-depth historical research. This piece depicts a particularly dramatic point during the turn-of-the-century Philippine-American War—the assassination of the charismatic General Antonio Luna, commander of the Philippine Revolutionary Army. Younger brother of painter Juan Luna, Antonio made a name for himself as a brilliant tactician. However, his fiery temper earned him the ire of many—including his own men. So on June 2, 1899, the General met his death at the hands of a company of men he had earlier dismissed for insubordination.

General Luna’s resistance ably is captured by Torres, in his trademark realist aesthetic. Pistol out to defend himself, the General stands alone against a group of assassins.