MINIATURES

  On Johannes Nordmann (1820-1887) Who was Johannes Nordmann? -- He was an Austrian writer and journalist. For some time now, Nordmann has been slowly making his way into Filipino awareness and narratives, mainly due to his interaction with our national hero, José Rizal. Last year, Austrian professor Johann Stockinger stumbled upon a letter addressed to Nordmann with an odd name. Examining the handwriting, content, and, above all, the signature, Stockinger—one of the foremost Rizal scholars in Europe—realized it was a case of mislabeling. The letter was, of course, from Rizal, and its contents confirmed it beyond doubt. During his European tour before returning to the Philippines, Rizal visited Vienna from May 20 to 25, 1887. He was accompanied by his friend Dr. Maximo Viola, and they carried letters of introduction to prominent scholars in Vienna at the time. Who wrote these letters? None other than Ferdinand Blumentritt. Incidentally, Rizal and Viola had been with the Blumentri...

There is much history to be found in documents, official seals, and letterheads of the past. One interesting discovery in the so-called "Tech Documents" of Pasig, dated 1836, revealed a seal and letterhead bearing the inscription: HISP. ET IND. R. FERD. VII D.G.—an abbreviation of the Latin phrase Hispaniarum et Indiarum Rex, Ferdinandus VII Dei Gratia (Ferdinand VII, by the grace of God, King of Spain and the Indies). However, the bottom inscription mentioned Isabel II, who was the reigning Spanish monarch at that time. How do we reconcile this document within its proper historical context? Remarkably, the letterhead itself reflects the turbulent period in Spain’s history, the reign of Ferdinand VII --The years when Napoleon Bonaparte was also imposing his will across Europe. When Ferdinand VII’s father was deposed by Spanish Bonapartists, the French installed Ferdinand VII as king—effectively making him a puppet of Napoleon. Soon after, Ferdinand was deposed and replaced by...

  The photo is labeled "Menuisiers chinois," Manille, Philippines, 1890. Presented in French, it features Chinese carpenters or woodworkers in Manila during the 1890s. Similar photos of Chinese during this period often depict them as ambulant sellers, food vendors, or small merchants. However, some, like this photo, highlight them as skilled workers. Of Encik Viejo and Peranakan    Most Chinese in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, trace their ancestry to the southern province of Fujian, the majority of whom speak the Hokkien dialect. The region’s proximity to the sea made migration an appealing option for its poor inhabitants, who sought better opportunities in the southern seas. Their resilience and hard work propelled many to success, with some rising to become prominent tycoons in the lands they settled. However, it was their adaptability that truly elevated them. The Chinese embraced many cultural and social norms of their adopted countries while blending th...

  A Different Image of Saint Sebastian In the Catholic Church, from its earliest centuries of establishment and growth in the West centered in Rome, the creation of icons (images) of saints became a significant part of the identity and veneration of the first faithful. One of the most notable examples of such iconic representation is the image of Saint Sebastian—the centurion tied to a tree, stripped of his armor, and pierced with arrows. This image has remained the primary representation of the saint for devotees, even up to the present day. However, this iconic representation also becomes limited. It highlights a specific aspect of Saint Sebastian’s life—his martyrdom—but often overlooks other important aspects, such as his efforts in spreading Christ’s gospel. The centrality of his image as a martyr has led to a narrower understanding of his entire persona. Saint Sebastian in Different Cultures In other parts of the world, such as Sri Lanka and Malta, alternative depictions of S...