kepha_mt1618
rizal-execution
In 1897, an original photograph of Rizal’s execution, very sharp and in fairly good condition, was found in a flea market in Pennsylvania, USA. Its discovery was an important find for Philippine historical photography, even though similar photographic illustrations have appeared in out-of-print books and several other photographs of the execution are reported to exist.
This particular photograph was taken only seconds before Rizal was shot and the crowd shouted “Viva España” and lingered a while to make sure the subversive was truly dead. For the viewer a hundred years, even a thousand years hence, the photograph suspends the impending death. Rizal is a diminutive figure accentuated by his black suit and bowler hat. He is facing the bay, his arms bound to his back. A row of light posts traces an imaginary line separating him from rows of soldiers; those on the first row have their rifles raised and aimed at him. There are two robed priests and a dog near the executioners. In the foreground, at the very center of the photograph, stands a tall, thin tree with no leaves or branches, apparently dead.
rizal-execution
In 1897, an original photograph of Rizal’s execution, very sharp and in fairly good condition, was found in a flea market in Pennsylvania, USA. Its discovery was an important find for Philippine historical photography, even though similar photographic illustrations have appeared in out-of-print books and several other photographs of the execution are reported to exist.
This particular photograph was taken only seconds before Rizal was shot and the crowd shouted “Viva España” and lingered a while to make sure the subversive was truly dead. For the viewer a hundred years, even a thousand years hence, the photograph suspends the impending death. Rizal is a diminutive figure accentuated by his black suit and bowler hat. He is facing the bay, his arms bound to his back. A row of light posts traces an imaginary line separating him from rows of soldiers; those on the first row have their rifles raised and aimed at him. There are two robed priests and a dog near the executioners. In the foreground, at the very center of the photograph, stands a tall, thin tree with no leaves or branches, apparently dead.