The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) is set to open a special exhibit titled “Remembering Rizal in Artworks and Monuments” on December 30, 2024, in honor of the 128th anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal’s martyrdom. The exhibit will be displayed at the NHCP Main Building on TM Kalaw Street, Ermita, Manila, featuring works that celebrate Rizal’s life, ideals, and legacy.
Among the highlights are several iconic pieces from the NHCP collection:
- National Artist Carlos “Botong” Francisco’s “Exile in Dapitan,” a somber portrayal of Rizal’s secret meeting with Dr. Pio Valenzuela, rendered in deep blues and greens.
- Rizal’s terracotta statuette “Triumph of Death Over Life,” a poignant meditation on the interplay between life and mortality.
- Fernando Amorsolo’s posthumous portrait “Rizal as a Mason,” characterized by the artist’s signature soft lighting that brings warmth and humanity to the national hero’s image.
Running for a month, the exhibit invites visitors to reflect on Rizal’s profound influence on the nation and aims to inspire a deeper appreciation for his heroism.
This year’s theme, “Rizal: Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Buhay at Aral Aming Nilalandas,” calls on Filipinos to revisit the values Rizal championed and consider how these principles can guide the nation’s future.
The NHCP, tasked with preserving and promoting Philippine history, continues to honor Rizal’s legacy through its efforts in conservation, education, and the commemoration of historic sites and figures.
