The National Museum of The Philippines Presents 'Inspiring the Nation, Dr Jose Rizal: The National Hero in Art'

Just before the year ends, the National Museum of the Philippines unravels the new and improved exhibition entitled Inspiring the Nation, Dr Jose Rizal: The National Hero in Art

There's no denying that Dr Jose Rizal's works, Noli me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, have been the bedrock of the Philippine revolution for independence against Spanish colonial rule.

This is why up to this day, many of our countrymen feel indebted to Rizal. The National Museum of the Philippines has collected a series of paintings, sculptures, collectors' items, and memorabilia that were made and inspired by him.

The exhibition initially launched in 2012 titled "The Hero in Art: Works by Jose Rizal and Portraits from the National Museum", honours the life, works, and artistic excellence of Rizal through his works that were retrieved from the National Fine Arts Collection and various private lenders.

A portrait of Philippine national hero and author Jose Rizal (1861 - 1896) who was executed by the Spanish government for his subversive writings, late nineteenth century. (Photo by Interim Archives/Getty Images)

Above A portrait of Philippine national hero and author Jose Rizal (1861 - 1896) who was executed by the Spanish government for his subversive writings, late nineteenth century. (Photo by Interim Archives/Getty Images)

Now named "Inspiring the Nation, Dr Jose Rizal: The National Hero in Art", the National Museum shows new acquisitions such as Rizal’s oil portrait of his eldest sister, Saturnina Rizal-Hidalgo and a Fabian de la Rosa’s oil on canvas portrait of Rizal, copied from the work of his much-admired Filipino master artist Juan Luna.

"The exhibition aims to showcase the artistic excellence of Rizal, to educate the museum public to honour him through his works and his portraits made by other renowned Filipino artists, and to offer improved exhibition experience by adding new content and translating these to the virtual platform," National Museum of the Philippines Director-General Jeremy Barns said.

The series of Rizal-related masterpieces can be seen at the Gallery V of the National Museum of Fine Arts.

Tatler Trivia: Rizal painted the portrait of his eldest sister Saturnina when he was just 17 years old. This is most probably his only existing oil painting.

For more information, contact the Museum Services Division at +6328 292 1100 local 1032 or email msd@nationalmuseum.gov.ph.

You may get a sneak peek of the new exhibition below:

Tatler Asia

An Upgraded Jose Rizal Gallery is Now Open at the National Museum