ORNAMENTAL RELIEFS:

DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE PROPHETS OF CONGONHAS AND THE POLYCHROMY OF SCULPTURES IN SABARÁ

Abstract

The research presents the analysis of the details of the reliefs executed in the edges of the clothes of
the twelve sculptures in soapstone, of the prophets of the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Matosinhos,
of Congonhas do Campo. In contrast, we establish a dialogue with the technique of reliefs made in
the polychrome of two wooden images, in the city of Sabará, both by Antônio Francisco Lisboa,
Aleijadinho. The methodology used to analyze the ornamental reliefs was the documentation and
transformation of the motifs into drawings, allowing a more accurate look, without interference of
colors or textures. We found “familiarities” between the reliefs in stone and polychrome wood, in
the works studied. There are not enough tools to say that the master left instructions for the gilder
painter to make the polychrome, but we can confirm the hypothesis of circularity of the ornamental
models between these workshops.