Sketch of panels of the famous São Jorge church, in Rio de Janeiro, by the artist Eugênio de Proença Sigaud.
- Drawings and notes by Eugênio de Proença Sigaud.
- One page.
- In Portuguese.
- 26.5 cm x 32.5 cm outside, 21.5 cm x 23.4 cm inside.
- No location information, 1944.
- Glued and protected by a film, excellent condition of conservation.
- Unique piece.
Apostles
Angel – Saint Luke
Taurus – Saint Matthew
Eagle – Saint John the Evangelist
Leo – Saint Mark
Prophets
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Ezekiel
Daniel
1st = [Mats] for two panels that I will paint
in the Church of São Jorge, I painted the tapestries on iron
in front of the panels they will venerate Saint Maurice [the leader]
Painter, engraver, graphic artist, illustrator, set designer, critic, teacher, architect and poet... Eugênio de Proença Sigaud (1899 - 1979) from Minas Gerais is known as the painter of workers, exploring in his canvases and murals, in an intense and militant way, a clearly social theme. He represented the worker in his productive context, amidst the constructions with iron, concrete and scaffolding structures, typical of construction sites, but also on the street, amidst traffic, in factories, railways, bridges, shipyards and, later, moving from the city to the countryside. He worked with the architect Lúcio Costa in 1931, was part of the Portinari Group in 1935, supported the communist candidate Carlos Prestes in 1946 and produced numerous important works, exhibited in Brazil and abroad.
"I am a communist and an engineer. I have always dealt with workers, which explains my choice of themes. I have always been aware of the social role of art. I have always been involved in politics. In my opinion, everything serves political interests. However, freedom of creation is fundamental." And also, about his painting: "it has never been a gratuitous act, not even my architecture. It is, above all, a conscious and firm attitude, a purpose with artistic, political and social objectives. With it, I celebrate, especially, the magnitude and greatness of the humble work of the worker, this anonymous worker in all sectors of the greatness of the Fatherland." (MORAES, 1979).
The document presented here is a preparatory work for the stained glass windows of the Church of São Jorge, in Rio de Janeiro. The Church of São Jorge is known for its celebrations of the Holy Warrior Day (April 23) in honor of Saint George, with the participation of half a million people in the week-long celebrations every April. There are lectures, shows, a theater, fireworks and, afterwards, a mass with Dom Orani. The tributes take place in several other locations in Rio de Janeiro.
Saint George is one of the most venerated saints in Catholicism and is immortalized in the legend of his slaying of the dragon. Legend has it that Saint George was a soldier and was tortured by the Roman Emperor Diocletian around 302 AD (after Christ) to convert him. Since he did not renounce Christianity, he was beheaded on April 23, 303 AD. The number of miracles attributed to Saint George is immense. According to tradition, he protects and favors all who turn to him with faith and devotion, winning battles, lawsuits, persecutions and injustices.
Sigaud produced many drawings during his lifetime, but this document, of one of his best-known works, presents a sketch in excellent condition and illuminating commentary by the artist himself.
