Jose Rizal’s sculpture Josephine Sleeping, a tribute to his common-law wife Josephine Bracken, has set a new record for the national hero’s works, selling for ₱31,241,600 at the 2024 Kingly Treasures Auction by Leon Gallery.
The piece, which started with a ₱7 million bid, exceeded the previous record held by Rizal’s sculpture The Filipino, which sold for ₱17,520,000 in 2018. The price includes the buyer’s premium.
“If Da Vinci had his Mona Lisa, this is Rizal’s own mysterious beauty. Josephine Bracken has always been an enigma in Philippine history,” said Jaime Ponce de Leon, Leon Gallery founder and art director.
A Masterpiece from Exile
The sculpture, created during Rizal’s exile in Dapitan, depicts Josephine Bracken sleeping on a classical Roman-style couch, partially covered by a blanket and her crossed arms. The piece is personally signed by Rizal.
Josephine Bracken, born Marie Josephine Leopoldine Bracken in Hong Kong, was Rizal’s common-law wife until his execution in 1896. She met Rizal through her adoptive father, George Taufer, who sought Rizal’s help for his blindness.
Other Auction Highlights
In addition to Josephine Sleeping, the auction featured 157 items, including a bust of Andres Bonifacio and the last seal of the Katipunan, underscoring the richness of Philippine historical art.