A Glimpse Into the Private Life of a National Hero

On Saturday, September 13, 2025, "The Magnificent September Auction 2025" at the Leon Gallery will feature two items linked to Dr. Jose Rizal's life. These items are not just historical artifacts; they offer a rare and intimate glimpse into the person behind the monument—a view of our national hero that has not been widely appreciated or acknowledged. Collected by Filipino artist and historian Don Roman Faustino Y. Topacio, this exceptional collection highlights both the public revolutionary and the private, compassionate side of Rizal.

The first item is a print taken from the original 1890 Madrid negative of Dr. Jose Rizal. Captured during a pivotal time in his life in Europe, this photograph shows Rizal with an impressive sense

of dignity and intellectual presence. The inscription at the bottom verifies its origin from the original negative, confirming its authenticity and historical significance. This portrait is more than just an image; it acts as a direct link to the historic moment that inspired a generation of Filipino artists and thinkers. For Don Roman Faustino, a renowned master painter famous for his historical works, this photograph was a vital source material. Its inclusion in his collection highlights its importance as a key reference for his artistic endeavors, offering an authentic visual record of the national hero during his formative intellectual and political years. The second item is a photograph of one of Don Roman's most notable paintings, "Dr. Jose Rizal Treating a

Patient." The original painting, lost during the war, is believed to have depicted Rizal caring for his mother, Teodora Alonso, who suffered from vision problems. This image holds great significance as it is one of the few remaining visual records of a significant work by Don Faustino. The painting vividly illustrated Rizal's compassion and medical expertise—a side often overshadowed by his revolutionary role. This photograph, which narrowly survived a fire, is the sole visual connection to an artwork that could have been a significant part of Philippine cultural heritage. It provides valuable insight into Faustino’s meticulous historical research and his effort to create a complete and humanized portrayal of our National Hero.

Displayed together, these two photographs form a powerful and moving pairing. The Madrid portrait depicts Rizal as an intellectual and political leader, a man driven by purpose and conviction. In contrast, the photograph of the lost painting shows Rizal as a son and healer, a person of deep compassion and care. They serve both as sources of inspiration and as a direct link to a body of artistic work that honors Rizal’s legacy.

This unique collection, curated and maintained by an expert like Don Roman Faustino, offers an extraordinary opportunity for collectors, historians, and enthusiasts to engage with a more intimate and humanized depiction of Dr. Jose Rizal. It presents an opportunity to acquire a piece of our national history that celebrates both the hero and the individual—a significant addition to any collection focused on Rizal and our national narrative.

These two items will be auctioned on September 13, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Leon Gallery as Lot 75.