MANILA, Philippines — A rare piece of history crafted by Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal is set to take center stage at León Gallery’s Kingly Treasures Auction on November 30. Titled Josephine Sleeping, the sculpture, inspired by Rizal’s wife Josephine Bracken, carries an estimated selling price of P7 million.
Created during Rizal’s exile in Dapitan, the 2.5-inch-tall, 9.5-inch-long, and 2.75-inch-wide sculpture is one of his final artistic works. The piece, inscribed with “Rizal” on its bottom left, was passed down through the family of Rizal’s sister, Narcisa.
In his biography The First Filipino, historian León Ma. Guerrero III vividly described the sculpture: “Josephine lies outstretched on a classical Roman-style couch with a head-rest, covered in a thin blanket that outlines her waist and thighs. A hand modestly covers one breast, she half-smiles innocently in her sleep, tresses parted over her forehead.”
Guerrero noted that Josephine Sleeping portrays Josephine Bracken as "mother, child, and wife all at once," an unusually tender reflection of Rizal’s personal life and love. Unlike his more symbolic works, often centered on themes of strength, knowledge, and patriotism, this piece reveals an intimate side of the hero.
“If Rizal can be said to have ever loved anyone else but the Filipino Nation, then it must be said that he loved Josephine,” Guerrero wrote, underscoring their deep connection.
The auction will also feature masterpieces from renowned Filipino artists, including Fernando Zóbel’s Orilla 69, Carlos “Botong” Francisco’s Tinikling No. 2, and works by Benedicto Cabrera, Jose Joya, Felix Hidalgo, and Fernando Amorsolo.
For history and art enthusiasts, León Gallery’s auction offers a rare opportunity to acquire iconic pieces that celebrate the rich heritage of Philippine art and culture.
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