A part of Filipino history will be in full display at Leon Gallery’s The Kingly Treasures Auction 2025.
A historic lineup of artifacts will be auctioned during the event, which include the first editions of Jose Rizal’s literary masterpieces Noli Me Tangere (1887) and El Filibusterismo (1891), Manuel L. Quezon’s passport, Quezon’s letters to his wife Aurora Quezon, and various artworks from Fernando Amorsolo, Fernando Zobel, Carlos “Botong” Francisco, and many more.
The main highlight of the collection is the Álbum poético: Colección de composiciones inéditas de los más notables escritores de España (Poetry Album: Collection of unpublished compositions by Spain’s most notable writers, illustrated with magnificent engravings). This 199-page poetry book includes a handwritten dedication by Jose Rizal, “A Leonor Rivera, Recuerdo (To Leonor Rivera, A Remembrance).”
The illustrated poetry book is the only remaining token of Rizal’s love to Leonor Rivera. Bought in Spain during Rizal’s travels, the Álbum was given to Rivera before Rizal started writing his revolutionary novels, serving as a relic of a romance that was cut short.
Leon Gallery will auction a total of 160 artifacts, with a preview set for November 29 to December 5. Catch The Kingly Treasures Auction on December 6, 2 PM at the Leon Gallery in Makati City. For more information, visit the Leon Gallery website.