Grão Vasco Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Viseu > Viseu > Viseu > Bairro Dona Maria do Céu Mendes

Location:

The museum is located in the heart of Viseu's historic center, situated next to the Cathedral. It occupies the building known as Paço dos Três Escalões (Palace of the Three Staircases), a granite construction that stands out for its imposing presence in the main square, marking the urban landscape of this area of the city.

The Museum's Building:

The building that houses the museum is part of the city's history, with its construction begun in 1593. Over time, it underwent alterations, such as the addition of a second floor in the 18th century. It is characterized by sober and monumental granite architecture, reflecting its origin and initial purpose, having transitioned from the possession of the Church to public domain, housing various institutions before being entirely dedicated to its museum function.

The Works of Grão Vasco:

The museum's main collection is dedicated to the remarkable work of Vasco Fernandes, known as Grão Vasco, one of the great Portuguese painters of the early 16th century. Important altarpiece paintings created by him, his collaborators, and contemporary artists are exhibited here. Many of these canvases were originally designed for Viseu Cathedral and other churches in the region, forming an essential collection for understanding 16th-century Portuguese painting.

A National Treasure Highlighted:

Among the most emblematic pieces in the collection, the Old Altarpiece of the Main Chapel of Viseu Cathedral stands out. Painted between 1501 and 1506 by Grão Vasco and Francisco Henriques, this ensemble is classified as a Movable Cultural Property of National Interest. Originally composed of eighteen panels arranged in three rows, it was dismantled during works in the chapel. Beyond its artistic mastery, the altarpiece holds unique historical and iconographic value, notably in the "Adoration of the Magi" panel, where the figure of the black King Balthazar was replaced by what is considered the first representation of an indigenous Brazilian in Western art.

Diversity of Collections:

In addition to 16th-century painting, the museum presents a vast collection spanning different eras and artistic fields. One can find Portuguese painting from the 19th and 20th centuries, with works by artists such as Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro or José Malhoa, as well as sculpture, goldsmithing, Portuguese faience, oriental porcelain, furniture, and ivory objects, from the Romanesque period to the Baroque. The collection also includes sections on Russian art, archaeology, mineralogy, numismatics, and drawing, offering a broad perspective on cultural and artistic heritage.

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