The Tanner

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Artwork

District: Portalegre > Elvas > Terrugem e Vila Boim > Bairro Santo António

Location

The sculpture "O Curtidor" (The Tanner) is located in the heart of Terrugem, which is part of the Union of Parishes of Terrugem and Vila Boim, in the municipality of Elvas. The artwork is displayed in the Garden of the Parish Council, an inviting and easily accessible public space, located on Rua das Laranjeiras, in the area known as Bairro Santo António. This central location allows the piece to be observed in a tranquil setting, nestled within the scenery of a typical Alentejo village.

Memory of a Craft

This bronze sculpture pays a heartfelt tribute to one of Terrugem's most distinctive and historical activities: leather tanning. The tanner's craft, which involves the treatment and preparation of leather, was for a long time a fundamental economic pillar for the community. The presence of this piece in the public space is a recognition of the work and dedication of generations who, through this art, shaped the village's identity and development, leaving a visible legacy of its artisanal and industrial tradition.

Artistic Expression and Symbolism

Created by sculptor João de Paula and inaugurated in 2010, the work "O Curtidor" (The Tanner) depicts a man in full activity, focused on the manual labor of preparing a hide. The sculpture captures the essence of the profession, with details of clothing and posture evoking the skill and strength required for this work. More than a simple representation, the piece is a symbol of perseverance and the value of traditional work, inviting observers to reflect on the cultural roots and collective memory of a community that knew how to value its crafts and its history.

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