Rizal documents discovered in Czech Republic

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Knights of Rizal Dr. Sam Bernal (standing) and Richard Branders examine the discovery of documents with Helena Stejskalova, curator of Cesky Budejovice Museum

 

 Ferdinand Blumentritt portrait by Juan Luna
Portrait of Ferdinand Blumentritt by Juan Luna


PRAGUE – Four boxes of documents that belonged to a Ferdinand Blumentritt, a personal friend of Jose Rizal, were found recently in the Cesky Budejovice Museum, north of Prague in the Czech Republic.

Documents found include personal letters from Rizal, five paintings by Filipino artist Juan Luna and first editions of Rizal’s novels sent by Rizal himself to Blumentritt.

Blumentritt was the leading European expert on Philippine culture in the 19th century. Though he and Rizal only met on one occasion, they corresponded frequently through letters and postcards.

Helena Stejskalová, Curator of Ceske-Budejovice Museum said the collection is enough to build another museum. The impact of the discovery is not yet known, but Stejskalová said that extensive research work is being done in preparation for a private exhibition in Prague on September 17, 2009, which will highlight the 4th European Regional Assembly of the Knights of Rizal.

 

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