Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Leiria > Caldas da Rainha > Caldas da Rainha > Encosta do Sol
The "Saloia com cesto" is strategically positioned in the city of Caldas da Rainha, in the district of Leiria, integrating into the urban landscape of the Encosta do Sol area. This piece of public art is harmoniously embedded in the city's daily life, inviting discovery as one strolls through its streets and green spaces. Its location contributes to the immersive experience of local culture and history, where art comes alive outdoors, accessible to all.
This remarkable sculpture is an integral part of the "Rota Bordaliana," a project that celebrates the vast artistic legacy of Rafael Bordallo Pinheiro in Caldas da Rainha. The "Saloia com cesto" materializes, in large dimensions, the rich ceramic tradition of the region, so intrinsically linked to Bordallo's work. The piece is a vivid example of how art can be transposed from the studio to public space, maintaining its essence and the distinctive traits that characterize Bordalian production: realism, humor, and attention to detail.
The figure of the "Saloia com cesto" transcends mere artistic representation; it is a cultural symbol deeply rooted in Portuguese identity, and particularly in the region surrounding Lisbon and Caldas da Rainha. The Saloia was traditionally a country woman who traveled to the city to sell her fresh produce in markets and fairs. This sculpture, with its overflowing basket, evokes the industriousness, the connection to the land and sea, and the commercial spirit of the local people. It is a tribute to the strength and resilience of the women who shaped the socioeconomic landscape of this area, presented with a touch of familiarity and affection through ceramics.
The "Saloia com cesto" serves as a meeting point between art and daily life, transforming the city into a permanent exhibition stage. Its presence in public space allows for direct and spontaneous interaction with visitors, who can appreciate the scale of the work and the mastery in its ceramic execution. It is a piece that not only beautifies the area where it is located but also educates and informs about the importance of the ceramic industry in Caldas da Rainha and about the iconic figure of Bordallo Pinheiro, reinforcing the cultural and artistic identity of the municipality.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.4027773,-9.1338967
Coordinates DMS: 39°24'10.0"N 09°08'2.0"W