THE VIRTUES OF CARVER FRANCISCO XAVIER DE BRITO IN THE DECORATION OF THE MAIN CHAPEL OF THE PILAR CHURCH IN OURO PRETO AND D. JOÃO V FUNERALS

Abstract

In 1746 the Portuguese carver Francisco Xavier de Brito adjusted with the Brotherhood of the Blessed Sacrament the decoration works of the chancel of the church of Nossa Senhora do Pilar de Ouro Preto. It is a breathtaking work, in which the artist will work until his death on Christmas Eve of 1751. During the course of the work, the artist is required to design and make the mausoleum in honor of King D’s memory. João V, deceased in July 1750. From these findings,
we intend to reflect on the artist’s performance in the church works, especially on the interference or not that could have occurred in the decoration of the chancel after the dismantling of the mausoleum, with the use of figures used in this funeral monument, including those of the seven Virtues that are today located on the side walls, above the tribunes.