Description
The work "The Miracle of Ourique", painted in 1793 by the Portuguese artist Sundays, is a vibrant testimony of the artistic practice of neoclassicism in Portugal, a period that sought to recover the values of classical antiquity and its focus on clarity, Order and idealism. This painting focuses on the legendary episode that recounts the appearance of Christ to Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, in the battle of Ourique against Muslims in the twelfth century.
When observing the composition of the work, there is a careful disposition of the characters, where Afonso Henriques is in the foreground, central and dominant, which accentuates its role as a national hero. His upright position expresses a mixture of determination and astonishment, while the divine light emanating from the figure of Christ shines around him. The figure of Christ, colossal and loaded with symbolism, not only appears as a spiritual guide, but also occurs in a context of imminent victory, which translates into a visual narrative that anchor faith in military victory.
The color palette used by Sequeira is characteristic of neoclassicism, with a preference for warm tones that create a dramatic atmosphere. The earthly colors in the characters' costume contrast with the luminosity that emanate from the upper part of the work, symbolizing the divine intervention. Light and shadow are manipulated to enhance the volumes and give life to the figures, highlighting the technical ability of the painter in the use of chiaroscuro.
The characters on the scene, in addition to Afonso, include their soldiers, who seem to look with reverence and confidence towards the Christian figure, reflecting the religious fervor that permeated the society of the time. The arrangement of the characters in a semicircle, looking towards the center, establishes a visual dialogue that invites the viewer to participate in the scene, feeling the exaltation of the moment.
Sequeira's style in "El Milagro de Ourique" is a reflection of his academic training and his interest in the illustration of historical and mythological issues. Sequeira, an outstanding representative of neoclassicism in Portugal, moved away from the excesses of the Baroque and sought greater sobriety, combined with a strong narrative content. Its ability to deal with strong symbolic and identity value becomes evident in this work, which not only represents a historical fact, but also sublimizes Portuguese national identity.
While the history of art in Portugal has been influenced by different movements and styles, "the miracle of Ourique" is erected as a key piece that encapsulates the spirit of neoclassicism, framing an era of reflection on the national and spiritual identity of the country. Sequeira's work continues to be a reference for the study of historical and religious painting in the Portuguese context, inviting a deep aesthetic and emotional appreciation. With its clear compositional elements and its rich visual narrative, "the miracle of Ourique" is established as a enduring testimony of the search for greatness through art.
KUADROS ©, a famous paint on your wall.
Hand-made oil painting reproductions, with the quality of professional artists and the distinctive seal of KUADROS ©.
Art reproduction service with satisfaction guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with the replica of your painting, we refund your money 100%.