National Museum unveils 'Josephine Sleeping', one of Rizal's final artworks. Photo by Jervis Manahan, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — In time for the 128th death anniversary of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, the National Museum has unveiled "Josephine Sleeping" – one of Rizal's final artworks before he was executed.

The clay sculpture depicts his ultimate love, Josephine Bracken, in a sleeping position. Rizal created the masterpiece while in exile in Dapitan between 1895-1896.

National Museum says the artwork offers a glimpse into the often overlooked humanity of Rizal, beyond his heroism and love for his country.

"Ipinapakita dito ang pagkatao ni Jose Rizal na hindi madalas napagtutuunan ng pansin kasi madalas natin pinaparangalan si Rizal dahil sa kanyang kagitingan at galing sa kanyang talino, nandon din ang magandang karanasan sa Dapitan dahil don nya nakilala si Josephine Bracken," said Jorell Legaspi, Deputy Director General for Museums of the National Museum of the Philippines.

(This shows the human side of Rizal which we often overlook. We always see Rizal because if his heroism and intelligence, but he also met the love of his life in Dapitan.)

ACQUIRED THROUGH AUCTION

The artwork, which is the newest acquisition of the National Museum, was acquired from an auction by the Leon Gallery just last November.

Prior to this, its ownership was traced from the descendants of Narcisa, Rizal's sister.

Legaspi said that they were able to bid for the artwork through Republic Act 11333, which gives the National Museum the mandate to earn and make money through various means like corporate events and pre-nuptial shoots.

They save the earnings to acquire new collections of national significance.

"Kapag nagkakaroon ng pagkakataon na mag acquire ng obra at specimen of national value, humihingi kami permiso sa Board of Trustees," Legaspi said.

(If there is a chance to acquire new masterpieces and specimens of national value, we ask permission from the Board of Trustees.)

The artwork was acquired for P32 million in the auction, and it became the newest piece in the museum's Rizal collection.

However, the National Museum says the value of the artwork is much more than that.

"It is really a priceless object, kung titingnan natin, this was made during the final moments of his life, naka exile siya," Legaspi said.

(It is really a priceless object, since it was made during the final moments of his life when he was in exile.)

The artwork is displayed next to a book given to Bracken before Rizal was executed in Bagumbayan. The sculpture also bore Rizal's name as a signature.

"Ito po ay nagpapakita ng moment of tranquility, moment of joy and bliss sa piling ni Josephine Bracken,"  Legaspi said.

(This shows a moment of tranquility, a moment of joy and bliss in the presence of Josephine Bracken.)

"It symbolizes both sorrow, agony, and at the same time bliss. love and happiness. It's a poignant juxtaposition of two very turning points in Rizal's lifetime," Legaspi said.

Children and adults alike came to see the unveiling of the artwork.

"Josephine Sleeping" can be viewed at the Spoliarium Hall of the National Museum of Fine Arts.

Legaspi said they are soon set to refurbish the Rizal Gallery inside the museum to give the artwork a more fitting place inside the museum.

The National Museum also announced that by January 2025, they will be open for seven days a week, still free of charge.

We asked an AI chatbot modeled after Rizal about the country. Here's what it said