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Congonhas do Campo: Aleijadinho
The sculptor and wood carver Antonio Francisco Lisboa, known as the Aleijadinho (the cripple), the greatest Brazilian artist of the colonial period was born and died in Ouro Preto (1738-1814). He was the son of an architect and head carpenter, Manuel Francisco Lisboa, and of an African slave. The nickname by which he was known was due to the deformity in his hands and legs caused by a disease he suffered as a result of syphilis. Between 1796 and 1804, the artist created the greatest number of baroque sculptures in the world, which are considered one of the most important works of art of the colonial period. In the town of Congonhas do Campo, his legacy is a total of 66 life-size figures in cedarwood, portraying scenes taken from the passion of Christ. The sculptures stand in six chapels which form the Way of the Cross, ending on a hill where the 12 life-size soapstone sculptures of the prophets stand. It is to Aleijadinho that we owe the splendour of the church of St Francis of Assis in Ouro Preto. The church is a masterpiece where we find both the genius of Aleijadinho and that of the painter Manoel da Costa Athayde, another great master of the baroque art of Minas Gerais.
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Congonhas do Campo: Aleijadinho
The sculptor and wood carver Antonio Francisco Lisboa, known as the Aleijadinho (the cripple), the greatest Brazilian artist of the colonial period was born and died in Ouro Preto (1738-1814)....
Diamantina: Chica da Silva
Her story is known throughout Brazil and recalls that of a fairytale princess. A slave and a mixed-race woman, Chica lived in a mansion with João Fernandes de Oliveira, a rich and...
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