‏‏‎ 17th century azulejo's room

Azulejo-making in Portugal during the 17th century was known for its very imaginative patterns. Initially, each azulejo displayed a design or motif, which is to say, the repeated pattern. But patterns became increasingly more complex as the century advanced. Patterns of 2 by 2 were created (4 azulejos), of 4 by 4 (16 azulejos), of 6 by 6 (36 azulejos) and, eventually, 12 by 12, which needed 144 azulejos and was the most complex tile pattern ever created in Europe until then. Today, we find this period’s themes to be complex and enigmatic. Although still life scenes and vases of flowers are not greatly appreciated today, they had a symbolic value in the 17th century. Patterns in the 17th century were designed to cover large walls. The more highly complex patterns were designed for the upper section of walls so that viewers could decipher the motif from below. These works were enclosed by complex mouldings, creating the illusion of large and radiant tapestries that reflected light. Some azulejo panels included small paintings called "registos" depicting saints or religious scenes. These small paintings were naive representations with anatomical flaws that, being placed at a great height, were undetected by observers below. The goal was not to represent figures faithfully but, rather, to make a religious statement. These small paintings called "registos" represented a step toward the 18th century’s main trends based on figures.