Brazil

Background

After Brazil gained independence in 1822, painting became a tool for nation-building.

Bazil paintings are known for its bold colors and distorted forms. There is also a strong influence from Indigenous people and Afro-Brazilian styles.

Brazil painting focused on Historical events, Heroic figures, andLandscapes of Brazil

Notable Artist

Candido Portinari

Candido Portinari (1903–1962), a giant of Brazilian Modernism born on a coffee plantation, was a prolific artist who created over 5,000 works despite having only an elementary school education.

Victor Meirelles

Victor Meirelles (1832–1903) was a Brazilian artistic prodigy who achieved fame by blending European academic style with crucial Brazilian historical narratives.

Almeida Junior

José Ferraz de Almeida Júnior (1850–1899), a pioneering Brazilian Realist painter, actually started his art career working as a church bell-ringer in his hometown of Itu. His birthday, May 8th, is now celebrated as the Dia do Artista Plástico (Day of Fine Artists) in Brazil to honor his immense contribution to national art.