Bidding war for Rizal's 'Mona Lisa' hits P31 M

A ferocious bidding war for Jose Rizal's "Josephine Sleeping" erupted last weekend at the Leon Gallery's Kingly Treasures Auction in Makati City.

- By LISA GUERRERO NAKPIL

The sculpture depicts the last lady love of the country's "first Filipino" and foremost national hero, made by the same hands that wrote the “Noli” and “Fili.”

Ten bidders first joined the fray at the opening price of P7 million to own the piece that measured no more than 9-1/2 inches long and 2-3/4 inches wide.

Made of plaster of Paris, it was created during Rizal’s isolation and exile in distant Dapitan in Zamboanga, months before he would meet his martyrdom on Bagumbayan Field or today’s Luneta.

It portrayed a winsome Josephine Leopoldine Bracken, her curves outlined under the sheets, who would become the only Mrs. Jose Rizal.

The bidders were spread out nationwide, placing telephone and online bids.

Only one bidder was on the floor, director general Jeremy Barns of the National Museum, who quietly observed the action.