The art of Aleijadinho

The impressive Christ from Aleijadinhos (Congonhas, Brazil)

Aleijadinho (Antônio Francisco Lisboa; about 1730 to 1814) lived in Ouro Preto in Minas Gerais (Brazil). He was like his father an architect and sculpturer. Just at the moment when he was starting to develop his own style he was hit by a muscle disease... He couldn't hold his tools with his hands and was forced to tie these to his arms. This might have also have led to his developing a completely personal style of sculpture.
In the works of Aleijadinho there are elements of criticism on the Portuguese regime. It was the time of the French revolution.  In Ouro Preto the Inconfidentes, under the leadership of Tiradentes, organized a coup, that went horribly wrong.

The Church of São Francisco de Assis, that is considered the best architectonic work in Minas Gerais, was built by Aleijadinho. 

São Francisco de Assis - Ouro Preto

Because of the danger of theft it is in most churches in Minas absolutely forbidden to take pictures. So I have to limit myself to the works that I could take pictures of. This is why I am more or less restricted to his masterpieces at the Church Bom Jesus de Matesinhos in Congonhas. Here he also shows his critical spirit, that dressed the Roman soldiers into the boots of the Portuguese. The use of the Pelourinho for the flagellation of Jesus. The Pelourinho was a pillory for the punishment of slaves. In another station Jesus receives the crown of thorns and a sugar cane....

the Church Bom Jesus de Matesinhos of Congonhas

 At the entrance of the Church there are statues of 11 prophets.

The Church Bom Jesus de Matesinhos of Congonhas

Some of the 11 statues of the prophets....

  

  

 In front of the church down a sloping hill are 6 chapels containing scenes from the way of the cross. 

It is a pity to see that these chapels are in great need of maintenance.

The last supper

The last supper

Judas with the money....

Many expressive faces around the table.

Jesus is captured

Jesus attached to a Pillory - the Pillory (Pelourinho) is a flagellation pole that was used by the Portuguese for slaves.
Here we also see the Roman soldiers with Portuguese boots.  

The sugar cane....

Maskerade.....

During Carnival thi year the streets of São Luiz de Paraitinga are ornated with all kinds of pretty masks. Just to show some of them.... here is a selection.

Carnival.....

In São Luiz de Paraitinga some "Blocos", groups that perform a theme during Carnival, present themselves to the public before the "real Carnival". 

This day there was the Bloco of "Juca Teles do sertão das cotias" that went through the streets. Juca Teles was the nickname of the local artist and protector of the local culture, Benedito de Souza Pinto (1888-1962). Now his son (already and old man) portrays the person of Juca Teles. 

It sure was a colorful happening. With many, as they say here, "fantasies". The streets were soon completely full of people who were having a lot of fun. 

What a surprise as it seems that God and the Devil both take part in the festivities.....     

Neptune is also present.....

Safe above the crowds....

Exotic.....

Or just hatters......

All ears.....

 

Pretty .....

Kissy ......

Muddy .......

 

"Joaquin Baboza" ..... (sounds familiar.... and looks like a certain  judge....)  But what does he do with these nuns???

Juca Teles
Arrived from the "Cotias de Sertão"
Bringing  news, confusion
Shooting arrows
Many at carnival
And nobody cares a shit
And nothig is....
Don't get us wrong (o, o,o)
And don't get us wrong

Cry o,o
Show o,o
Sing o,o
Sing

Juca Teles
Mulberry flower
Mouth of the people
Good words of love

The Pier is closed....

The fisher woman from Scheveningen ( the old fishing harbor on the seafront near The Hague must be looking at the dark clouds above the Pier in Scheveningen (the beach of The Hague). Some months ago I blogged about the Pier that was for sale then. It is now obvious that nobody wants to buy. The last years there was not much activity going on... but now  at last the whole Pier is closed. It is a pity that we cannot walk "into  the sea" anymore. 

Walking along the completely renovated boulevard along the North Sea (to withstand the rising seas) I am a bit taken back by the color scheme ....could it be less blue-ish...

What is wrong with the nice classic green railings.

Well, on we go. Getting nearer to the Pier the decay gets more visible. 

Here was once a mundane restaurant....

Rusty stairs...

Some romantic lanterns on the rusty walkway.

No more Bungy jumping.

I suppose in future this view will be very different.