Drawings and watercolours

Map of the Alta de Coimbra (Post 1777) by José Carlos MagneMachado de Castro National Museum

The Museums' drawing collection, ranging over the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, includes almost six hundred pieces in graphite, coloured pencil, wax cranyon, red chalk pastel and other techniques. Our watercolours are in its majority from the 19th and 20th centuries.

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At the 2nd half of the 18th century major works were developed at the Coimbra University by Marquis of Pombal, the minister of king José I.

Here we can see several buildings from the time of Pombal.

Main façade of the University of Coimbra Astronomy Observatory (ca. 1773) by Attr. William ElsdenMachado de Castro National Museum

This elevation of the main facade of the Astronomical Observatory of the University of Coimbra of the authorship, in all likelihood W. Elsden, head of the Office of the Works. Due to the scientific challenges involved, the building for the Observatory received the largest number of projects and was intended to be part of the recently created Mathematics Faculty.
The building fell into ruins.

Map of the Alta de Coimbra (Post 1777) by José Carlos MagneMachado de Castro National Museum

This plan is the first of a group of eleven detailed drawings by J. C. Magne, illustrating the remodelling work of the Couraça de Lisboa and the accesses to the ‘Alta’, as part of the Pombaline Reform of the University of Coimbra.

At the lower edge of the map is the Sé Velha. Also represented here are the Laboratório Químico, the Museu de História Natural, the Sé Nova and the Observatório Astronómico; on the right, the allegorical figure of the Mondego River appears, framed by the S. Sebastião Aqueduct.

Preliminary project for the Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra (1791) by Manuel Alves MacomboaMachado de Castro National Museum

This drawing, a preliminary project for the Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra, is signed by Manuel Alves Macomboa and dated 1791. The area for the Garden, or Horto, was increased with land purchased from the neighboring Marian convent and was to be installed in the area adjacent to the Colégio de S. Bento, connected to the Arches of the S. Sebastião Aqueduct.

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The Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra.

Several figures drawing sketch (1795-1833) by Domingos António de SequeiraMachado de Castro National Museum

Several figures drawing sketch

Charcoal drawing, highlighted in white chalk, representing several male figure, facing slightly three quarters to the right, head turned back, with the right hand hugs a sheep; on the right, on top, another male figure, half-body, with her back turned three-quarters to the right; below, another male figure, half-body, three-fourths to the right, has his gaze directed to the right arm; to the right, above, a handheld study holding a wire; Outstanding from the drawing is the study of light, marked with white chalk and highlighted by the charcoal shadows on the opposite side of each figure. In the upper left corner a spot of coal, a vestige of the act of sharpening the pencil.

Three masculine figures with robes (1795-1833) by Domingos António de SequeiraMachado de Castro National Museum

Drawing sketch

Charcoal drawing, highlighted in white chalk, depicting three male figures on their backs, who wear long, broad robes, which cover them almost entirely. The middle figure bears a cap on the head. In the upper left corner a spot of coal, a vestige of the act of sharpening the pencil. The purpose of this design seems to have been the study of the draperies and the light incident on them, because the white chalk highlight is only lateral, marking the whole figure.

‏‏‎ Album of paintings (19th century)Machado de Castro National Museum

This is the most beautiful of the dozen albums acquired by Camilo Pessanha, and is considered one of the most valuable pieces from the collection which the poet donated to the Museum.

‏‏‎ Album of paintings (19th century)Machado de Castro National Museum

The album contains ten sheets of paper with minutely detailed drawings, in ink and watercolours of insects, crustaceans, and fish.

‏‏‎ Album of paintings (19th century)Machado de Castro National Museum

This one was probably painted by Hua Liang, author of the poems and narratives that accompany the pictures, and who used various names throughout her career. Nüshi is an ancient title given to women of learning and expertise.

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The history of Portugal and Portuguese culture is "drawn". Visit us to find out more about it.

Credits: Story

Photo: DGPC/ADF - Photographic Documentation Archive

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The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions (listed below) who have supplied the content.
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