The Triumph of Science over Death

"The Triumph of Science over Death" also known as "Scientia" is a clay sculpture created by José Rizal as a gift for his friend Ferdinand Blumentritt. This captivating piece features a young, nude woman with flowing hair, standing on a skull and holding a torch. The woman symbolizes humanity's ignorance during the Dark Ages, while the torch represents the enlightenment brought by science. Standing atop a skull, which signifies death, the woman embodies humanity's quest to conquer death through scientific progress.

The original sculpture is on display at the Rizal Shrine Museum in Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila. A larger concrete replica is situated in front of the Fernando Calderón Hall at the University of the Philippines College of Medicine in Ermita, Manila. Another replica is located outside the former Department of Health research facility in Muntinlupa City, which is now part of the Festival Supermall expansion.

This statue's motif has been embraced by several medical associations in the Philippines, including the Philippine College of Surgeons.