Six centuries of artistic creation
1752-1809 Portugal
The work of José António de Faria e Barros, a painter from Setúbal, reflects a self-taught production which developed away from the major artistic centres, where there was no studio practice in an academic training context. The depiction of both musicians conveys an idea of "natural portrait" as if they were looking at the beholder. In fact, the painting was made from engraved models which enabled the painter's access to an iconographic universe that he assimilates and combines with his personal observation of reality. The hurdy-gurdy player reproduces accurately an engraving by Abraham Bloemaert. Although this is the late 18th century, Morgado de Setúbal's work resorts to 17th century typologies, particularly for portrait and still life, a very clear process in the engraved models he chooses.
| Oil on canvas, 83 x 83 cm
| SETÚBAL. Setúbal Museum – Jesus Convent