NMP EXHIBITS RIZAL’S “JOSEPHINE SLEEPING”

In commemoration of the martyrdom of Dr. José Rizal, foremost Filipino hero and nationalist, the National Museum of the Philippines exhibits for the first time his opus “Josephine Sleeping”.

Made during his exile in Dapitan, “Josephine Sleeping” offers an intimate glimpse into the humanity and personal lives of Dr. Rizal and his last love Josephine Bracken. The clay sculpture, dubbed as “Rizal’s Mona Lisa”, is believed to be a memento intended to be kept close to its creator. It traces its provenance to the heirs of Dr. Rizal’s sister Narcisa and has now found its way as part of our National Fine Arts Collection.

As one of the leading members of the Filipino propaganda movement in the late 19th century, he promoted nationalist sentiments through his novels, writings on Philippine history and culture, scientific pursuits, civic education and engagement, and artistic works. Sentenced to death by colonial authorities for allegedly inspiring the 1896 Philippine Revolution, Rizal made a last act of love to Josephine when he married her in his death row cell a few hours before his execution at Bagumbayan on December 30, 1896.

Explore this masterpiece at the Spoliarium Hall as well as Dr. Rizal’s other artworks in Gallery V “Inspiring the Nation, Dr. Jose Rizal: The National Hero in Art”.

This newest addition to our Rizaliana highlights our desire to dedicate the Central Complex in Manila to the legacy of Dr. José Rizal whose life and works cover the fields of arts, anthropology, and natural sciences – areas that the NMP has been tirelessly working on since its inception.

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