Dr. Alberto Souto Statue

Category: Civil Architecture > Statue

District: Aveiro > Aveiro > Aveiro > Misericórdia

Location:

The sculpture stands in the gardens of the Aveiro Museum, in the Misericórdia area, creating a tranquil space just a few steps from the historic centre. Surrounded by lawns and small trees, the statue benefits from a serene setting that invites a brief stop.

The stone pedestal retains traces of the old inscription “AO EGREGIO AVEIRENSE / ALBERTO SOUTO / 1888, 1961”, although some letters have been removed over time. The monument is close to the modern facade of the museum, offering an interesting contrast between past and present.

Origin and Tribute

Inaugurated in November 1970, the piece pays tribute to Alberto Augusto Simões Souto Ratola, a native of Aveiro (b. July 23, 1888, d. October 23, 1961). He was a multifaceted personality: a jurist trained in Coimbra, a defender of republicanism, a lawyer, and a passionate researcher of Archaeology, Geology, and Art History.

For over three decades, Souto led the Aveiro Museum (1925–1958) and served in the Municipal Council, marking the city's cultural and administrative life. The statue celebrates this legacy, casting in bronze the figure of a man who helped shape local identity.

Aesthetics and Atmosphere

The artist opted for a simple bronze portrait, with Souto standing, dressed in a suit and tie, looking towards the green spaces. The patinated surface and the circular pedestal of light-coloured stone lend sobriety to the monument.

The surrounding environment, composed of dirt paths and discreet flowerbeds, reinforces the sense of tranquility. For visitors interested in photography, the statue offers a central point of composition, with the reflection of daylight highlighting the bronze textures.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt