Richard And Jo Demeester's photos with the keyword: Aleijadinho

Antônio Francisco Lisboa, known as Aleijadinho, the Little Cripple. A legendary master sculptor and architect from Ouro Preto, who blended European techniques with Brazilian materials to develop new styles and signature works. In his 30s, he developed a degenerative disease that slowly caused him to lose his fingers and toes. In spite of the incredible set back this must have had on his ability to create and fashion, he continued to produce works that are ranked as Brazilian masterpieces. Towards the end of his life, he was known for asking his apprentices to strap tools to his arm, allowing him to continue working when he could no longer hold things in his hands. I found this piece particularly captivating. It's so much more than the proportions, details and realism. I felt the emotions of Aleijandinho as he worked on this. I was emotionally stirred by the suffering that Christ endured. Looking at this, I appreciated that I was moved precisely as the artist had intended.

Our gorgeous B&B was a stone's throw from this church. We passed it on arrival, and every time we went out, making it the landmark of our Ouro Preto stay. "Widely considered the masterpiece of Brazilian Baroque and Rococo architecture". Truth be known, neither rank amongst our preferred architectural styles, but certainly that did not prevent us from appreciating or admiring the house of worship. It was here that we first learnt about Aleijadinho, an 18th century sculptor and architect who was prolific in Ouro Preto. More on him later, but this church was one of his designs. The cylindrical towers and the curved geometrics were very uncharacteristic elements, but features like this are why he is remember as being innovative.