Two historically significant artifacts connected to Jose Rizal are set to go under the hammer later this September.

Among the most highly anticipated items are pieces consigned by Rizal’s beloved sister, Narcisa Rizal-Lopez, including the Philippine national hero’s report card from Ateneo Municipal de Manila, dated September 20, 1876.

Written in Spanish, the report card showed Rizal merited the second-honor recognition for the Historia Natural class, or Biology in modern language, dispelling the myth that he always finished at the top of all his classes.

The artifact has an estimated value of P350,000 to P400,000.

Also up for auction is “Portrait of a European Gentleman” (estimate upon request), a charcoal-on-paper artwork by Rizal, a reminder of his artistic pursuit, which he set aside in service to the Philippine Revolution.

In December 2024, Rizal’s sculpture set a new record for his works after it was sold for a whopping P31,241,600.

The artwork surpassed the previous record of Rizal’s “The Filipino” sculpture, which was sold for P17,520,000 in 2018.

The Well Appointed Life is happening on September 27 at 10 a.m. for the morning online auction and at 2 p.m. for an afternoon live and online sale.

Ateneo Municipal de Manila

The Ateneo Municipal de Manila was a prestigious secondary school established by the Spanish Jesuits in 1859. It is historically significant as the alma mater of national hero José Rizal. The institution was the precursor to the modern Ateneo de Manila University, which relocated after the original Intramuros campus was destroyed in World War II.

Portrait of a European Gentleman

This is not a place or cultural site, but a famous 17th-century painting by Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn. Created in 1632, it is a prime example of his portraiture work from his successful early period in Amsterdam. The painting is currently housed in the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, California.

The Filipino

“The Filipino” is a national personification and cultural symbol representing the spirit and identity of the Filipino people. It is often depicted as a heroic figure in art and literature, emerging during the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule to foster a sense of national unity. This symbol continues to embody the resilience, patriotism, and collective aspirations of the Philippines.