The National Museum of the Philippines unveiled a previously unseen clay sculpture by Dr. Jose Rizal depicting his common-law wife Josephine Bracken.
THE National Museum of the Philippines (NAM) presented for the first time a clay sculpture by Dr. Jose Rizal fashioned after his common-law wife Josephine Bracken, in commemoration of the 128th anniversary of martyrdom of the foremost Filipino hero and nationalist on December 30. Tagged as Rizal’s Mona Lisa by NAM, the artwork, titled Josephine Sleeping, showcases Bracken peacefully reclining on a divan.
The piece was presumably created while Rizal was exiled in Dapitan City in Zamboanga del Norte province between 1895 and 1896. The Spanish colonial government executed Rizal by firing squad for the crime of rebellion on December 30, 1896 at Bagumbayan Field in Manila. According to NAM, Rizal’s extraordinary artwork offers an “intimate glimpse into the humanity and personal lives of Dr. Rizal and his last love.” The sculpture is believed to be a memento intended to be kept close to its creator, and traces its provenance to the heirs of Dr. Rizal’s sister Narcisa. NAM acquired the important artwork following the passage of Republic Act 11333 or the NMP Act. The new law grants the institution means to generate and utilize revenue for the enhancement of its programs and national collections, allowing it to match winning bids at public auction. In November 2024,it was put under the hammer at Leon Gallery Kingly Treasures Auction, fetching a price tag of P31 million. Rizal and Bracken crossed paths in Hong Kong in 1895. Born to Irish parents, Bracken had her stepfather treated for his eye disorder by Rizal, an ophthalmologist. The two developed a relationship and lived together in Dapitan. According to historians, Rizal and Bracken married at 5 am in the death row cell, two hours before the former’s execution in the Bagumbayan field, now Rizal Park. NAM calls it Rizal’s “last act of love to Josephine.” Josephine Sleeping now forms part of NAM’s National Fine Arts Collectio
NATIONAL MUSEUM RIZAL JOSEPHINE BRACKEN SCULPTURE PHILIPPINES
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