The Sower

Category: Civil Architecture > Statue

District: Portalegre > Portalegre > Portalegre > Sé

Location

The statue of O Semeador (The Sower) is located in the Sé area, in the heart of the city of Portalegre. Its position is integrated into the local urban fabric, serving as a landmark for those walking through the city's streets. It is situated in the vicinity of the Convento de Santa Clara (Convent of Saint Clare), a proximity that, as we will see, holds particular significance in the history of the name the statue evokes.

The Message of The Sower

The figure of O Semeador (The Sower), eternalized in this work in Portalegre, conveys profound symbolism. It represents the act of sowing to reap, a metaphor for construction and development. It evokes the idea of planting the future, whether through knowledge, culture, or social transformation. The choice of this name for the monument is not random, as it is linked to Portalegre's own identity, a city which, in the early 20th century, had a newspaper with the same name and, more recently, a vocational school. The statue invites reflection on the importance of dedication and effort for a prosperous future.

Cultural and Community Legacy

The name "O Semeador" in Portalegre does not refer only to the statue; it is intrinsically linked to the history of a remarkable cultural movement that emerged in the city after April 25, 1974. The Cultural Work and Action Group, O Semeador, was born as an association for popular training and education, driven by the volunteer work of dedicated young people. Its initial activities included adult literacy, music and theatre teaching, and the promotion of regional songs, actively contributing to community mobilization and awareness.

Although some of its original functions, such as literacy and music education, have transitioned to public institutions over time, the spirit of O Semeador consolidated. From it derived the "Teatro d’O Semeador" (O Semeador Theatre) and the "Grupo de Cantares de Portalegre" (Portalegre Singing Group), both perpetuating the cultural legacy and the original name. It is worth noting that the old Convento de Santa Clara (Convent of Saint Clare), adjacent to the statue, was the physical birthplace of this initiative, strengthening the connection between the location and the profound mission of sowing culture. The Grupo de Cantares, in particular, distinguishes itself by its dedication to the collection and dissemination of traditional music from the Serra de São Mamede region, a vital work for the preservation of the intangible heritage of Alto Alentejo.

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