Description
This piece is based on a poem, Florante at Laura (1838) by Francisco Balagtas. It is one of the most important literature in Philippine history. The painting depicts the opening event in the epic where we see Florante, the main protagonist of the story. We see him bound to a tree, surrounded by two lions in the middle of the woods. Florante was betrayed and exiled from his kingdom by the occupying power, plotted by Count Adolfo. Laura, Florente’s lover, was also taken by Adolpo, only adding to Florante’s suffering.
The story of Florante at Laura has been widely considered as an allegory of injustice, cruelty and bad governance in the country during Balagtas’ time. This poem was also dedicated to his former sweetheart, Selya and the story is loosely based on Balagtas’ life and faith. He was imprisoned, and during that time, wrote Florante at Laura.
