29 Disyembre,2024 Linggo
2 days to 2025, Happy New Year
Happy 21st anniversary, Servants of God in Jesus Christ Christian Ministries Incorporated, Rev. Nestor Sadim, Rev. Manuel Soliman, Director Jorge Lopez
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
No to SOGIE bill
PM for any hospital discharge problem
ABS 2025
Rizal’s ‘Josephine Sleeping’ revived at National Museum
By J.Lo
“If Rizal can be said to have ever loved anyone else by Filipino nation, then it must be said that he loved Josephine; he was her husband twice over… she was one woman with whom he shared that most jealously prized of all his possessions, his name, and also his heart’s intimacies,” twin banners feature quotations from author Leon Ma. Guerrero, of definitive Rizal biography “The First Filipino,” as well as letter from Josephine Bracken herself to Jose Rizal.
That much is clear in “Josephine Sleeping,” shows Rizal and his wife at their most vulnerable.
Jose Rizal’s exquisite P31-million statue “Josephine Sleeping” will be unveiled tomorrow, 128th anniversary of the hero’s martyrdom, at National Museum of Fine Arts on T.M. Kalaw Drive, Ermita, Manila.
By all accounts, this gift to Filipino people is priceless immortalizing not only country’s foremost hero but also woman he loved, Josephine Leopoldine Bracken. It’s snapshot of country’s greatest love story, eclipsing even Manila Film Festival and metro-wide New Year’s countdowns.
Speaking under cover of anonymity, its previous owner and descendant of Rizal’s sister Narcisa said, “When I learned that National Museum was interested in acquiring this sculpture, I was overjoyed… seemed fitting for such remarkable piece of our family’s legacy and of Philippine history to be housed where it could be appreciated by everyone…however, as I followed auction in real time, my heart sank when I saw museum bow out early in bidding.
For moment, I feared this piece, so intimately tied to my great-grand uncle’s love for Josephine and his final days, might vanish into private hands.”
Thanks to new law allowing it to match winning bids at public auction, National Museum of the Philippines was able to acquire extraordinary work seven days mandated after Leon Gallery Kingly Treasures Auction this November 2024.
Previous owner continued jubilantly, “when National Museum was able to acquire statue after auction, I felt overwhelming sense of relief and pride…although letting this treasured family heirloom go was not easy decision, I now know it was right one…this sculpture belongs to Filipino people, just as Rizal himself does.”
Owner was moved to donate precious sketch of Josephine that was displayed at Rizal Centennial in 1961 alongside statue.
Rizal’s “Josephine Sleeping” hailed as country’s very own “Mona Lisa” can now be viewed for free at lofty Spoliarium Hall of museum, between most famous masterpieces by Juan Luna and Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo.
Specially-designed glass vitrine, lined in velvet, will contain extraordinary statue alongside devotional book “The Imitation of Christ” by Thomas Kempis, Rizal dedicated and gave to his “dear and unhappy wife” just hours before his death by firing squad at Luneta.
Said Jorell Legaspi, deputy director-general for museums of National Museum, “We plan to re-design present Rizal Gallery next year to create stronger narrative for ‘Josephine Sleeping.’
Artwork may be viewed by public for free from 9 in the morning to 6 in the evening on tomorrow,Dec. 30 and following day 31, with break on Jan. 1,2925.
Viewing resumes seven days week thenceforth, Monday to Sunday.
ISKUP! 