Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Campo Grande

Location

The Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro Museum is located in the Campo Grande area, an area known for its vast green space in the heart of Lisbon. It is housed in an old mansion, surrounded by the characteristic urban environment of this part of the Portuguese capital.

The Multifaceted Artist

Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro (1846-1905) was a central figure in Portuguese culture during the second half of the 19th century. His work spans various fields, revealing an artist of remarkable versatility and a keen observer of the society of his time. He was known for his mastery in drawing, caricature, illustration, painting, and, very particularly, in artistic ceramics.

A Comprehensive Collection

The museum brings together a vast collection of works by Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro and his son, Manuel Gustavo. The collection allows visitors to appreciate the diversity of his creations, including original press drawings, engravings, paintings, ceramic pieces, tiles, and documentation elements that help to understand the artist's journey and context. This collection constitutes a vivid portrait of his activity and influence.

The Legacy of Zé Povinho

Among Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro's most emblematic creations is the figure of Zé Povinho. Born in the pages of the press in 1875, this character quickly became a popular symbol, representing the Portuguese people with a mix of humor and critical insight. The museum dedicates special attention to Zé Povinho, exploring his origin and his continuous cultural relevance.

Bordalo Pinheiro's ceramic work, which began in the factory he founded in Caldas da Rainha, is another highlight of the collection. The exhibited pieces, ranging from satirical figures to naturalistic representations, demonstrate the technical innovation and artistic expressiveness that characterize his production in this field.

A Home for Art

Inaugurated in 1916, this museum was the first in Portugal to be designed from the ground up to house and present the work of a single artist. The building that houses it, a mansion designed by architect Álvaro Machado in the early 20th century, offers an appropriate space for the exhibition and study of Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro's legacy, serving as a center for the preservation and dissemination of his memory and work.

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