Identity and culture in "A Lenda do Negrinho do Pastoreio"
Reading one of our most popular legends through the eyes of painter Aldo Locatelli
A Southern Legend
"Negrinho do Pastoreio" is a well-known folk legend in southern Brazil. Of African and Christian origin, it emerged in the mid-19th century and tells the story of an enslaved boy who suffers from the punishment of his master and receives a miracle from Our Lady.
In 18 murals, Aldo Locatelli portrayed the legend. The murals can be found in the main hall named "Negrinho do Pastoreio" Hall.
Like most popular stories, the legend of the shepherd boy has several versions. Locatelli's murals fascinate for their expressiveness and richness of colors that convey the feelings that the story provokes.
The boy is being beaten by a man who holds him by the neck with one hand and the other is suspended in the air. Behind the boy another figure appears and moves towards the two. In the background there is a fence and animals.
On the left side, we see a man, dressed in a gaucho costume, holding a boy, who appears to be struggling, with one leg stretched out in front of him. On the left is an enslaved boy pulling a horse by the reins.
In the center, two male figures dressed in gaucho costumes, shake hands. In the center, as if dividing the painting, appears the trunk of a tree. On the left, a male figure appears stroking a horse.
Mural that summarizes the legend, representing a horse race. In the center, a light-haired horse appears, ridden by the "Negrinho do pastoreio", and behind, another gray horse, mounted by a male figure, both in a running position.
The boy rides a horse that has its front legs raised, in an unruly attitude. Behind, another rider continues to run. On the left side, a male figure, with his back turned, wearing a poncho, points to the two knights.
Mural depicting the farmer's defeat in the horse race. As the legend tells us, the shepherd boy ends up losing the race that his lord bet on, which makes him furious.
The neighboring farmer, who had his victory, shares with the people of the region the thousand ounces of gold. Amount that was staked.
After losing the race the boy is harshly punished by his lord. Which in addition to whipping him forces him to herd 30 of his best horses.
Frightened and fearing further punishment, the boy lights a candle to Our Lady and asks Heaven for help in the task.
Carrying the candle stump that was on the virgin's altar, the boy leaves to carry out his task of herding the horses. As the candle melts, the wax forms points of light that help to light the way.
Exhausted by the arduous task, the boy lies down on the grass and ends up falling into a deep sleep.
The farmer's son, taking the opportunity, frightens the already assembled horses. He does this knowing that he will do the boy great harm.
Blinded by evil, the farmer whips the boy to the end of his strength and orders him to place his body, almost lifeless, next to an anthill so that the ants can devour him. A few days later he returns to certify the completion of his act.
To his total astonishment and regret, he finds the boy sitting next to our lady, surrounded by heavenly light.
In a final act, the boy ascends to heaven on horseback. A story that moves us and makes us reflect.
Piratini Palace - Conservation and memory Piratini Palace
Directed by: Mateus Gomes
Editing: Mateus Gomes; Willian Caetano
Photography: Fernando Bueno - Piratini Palace Collection
Technical reference: OLIVEIRA, Luciana da Costa. O Rio Grande do Sul de Aldo Locatelli : arte, historiografia e memória regional nos murais do Palácio Piratini. 2011. 270 f. Dissertação (Mestrado em História) - Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, 2011.
Texts: William Caetano
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