A relatively little-known sculpture by Philippine national hero Jose Rizal – depicting his last love, Josephine Bracken – sold at a record-breaking P31 million at a recent bidding war at Leon Gallery’s Kingly Treasures Auction in Makati City.
The plaster-of-Paris sculpture, entitled “Josephine Sleeping,” was created during his exile in Dapitan shortly before he left for Cuba in 1896 as a volunteer doctor.
He was, however, unable to reach Cuba as he was arrested in Spain, brought back to the Philippines, and shot in Bagumbayan later that year for his alleged involvement in the Philippine Revolution.
The artwork, measuring just 9-1/2 inches long and 2-3/4 inches wide, drew ten initial bidders.
The competition intensified as bids surpassed P10 million, and by P26 million, only three bidders remained.
Ultimately, a telephone bidder clinched the piece amid cheers from the crowd.
Meanwhile, in an unprecedented move, the National Museum announced its intent to exercise its “right of first refusal” on Rizal’s sculpture and three historical photographs by Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo, also auctioned.
According to the law, the museum has seven days to match the winning bid.
Leon Gallery Director Jaime Ponce de Leon hailed the piece as “Rizal’s Mona Lisa,” underscoring its cultural significance.
“Josephine Bracken has always been an enigma in Philippine history,” he said, referring to Rizal’s muse and wife, who he married just hours before his execution.
The auction also celebrated other records in Philippine art.
Carlos “Botong” Francisco’s “Tinikling No. 2” sold for P55 million, and works by contemporary artist Nicole Coson and National Artist Napoleon Abueva set new benchmarks.
Coson’s untitled canvas of windows fetched over P3.4 million, while Abueva’s “Chastity Belt” reached nearly P4 million.
These results reflect a thriving Philippine art market, driven by historical and contemporary masterpieces capturing public fascination.
Photo Courtesy: GMA NEWS ONLINE
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