The Triumph of Science over Death

Rizal's sculpture The Triumph of Science over Death

The Triumph of Science over Death is a Clay sculpture made by Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal as a Gift to his Friend Dr. Ferdiand Blumentritt.

Image

The statue is composed of a naked, young woman with overflowing hair, standing on a skull while bearing a torch. The woman symbolizes the ignorance of humankind during the dark ages of history, while the torch she bears symbolizes the enlightenment science brings over the whole world. The woman is shown trampling at a skull, a symbol of death, to signify the victory the humankind achieved by conquering the bane of death through their scientific advancements.

Whereabouts

The original sculpute is now displayed a the Rizal Shirne Museum at Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila. A Large Replica, made of concrete, stands in front of Calderon Hall of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine along Pedro Gil St. in Ermita, Manila.