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Traditional Portuguese Azulejo art

Azulejo art

A symbol of the country -Traditional Portuguese Azulejo art

Portuguese Azulejo art is truly a symbol of the country. It is a form of painted, tin-glazed, ceramic tile work. Meanwhile, the word “azulejo” comes from the Arabic word meaning “polished stone”. For five centuries these elegant tiles have become a typical aspect of Portuguese culture, and produced without interruption.
In Portugal azulejo decorate the interior and exterior of churches, palaces, ordinary houses and even train stations or subway stations. They are a major aspect of Portuguese architecture, decorating walls, floors and ceilings. In addition to being a beautiful ornamental art form, they also have a specific functional capacity, like temperature control at homes. Many azulejo tiles chronicle major historical and cultural aspects of Portuguese history.

Portuguese Azulejo art

Walls decorated with Portuguese Azulejo art

However, the Azulejo technique of the XVIII century – cobalt pattern on a white background – considers classical and serves as a model for imitation. Before firing, the blue paint looks faded, and after being in the oven, it becomes bright and saturated.

Noteworthy, the more skillfully Azulejo pieces are executed, the more valuable they are. By the way, in Lisbon, there are whole criminal groups specializing in the theft of antique tiles. And the buyers, as a rule, are rich foreign collectors.

Besides, both the style variety of Azulejo, and the story of the plot are great. Especially popular are the images of the Blessed Virgin Mary and biblical scenes. Many Azulejo portray important events in Portuguese history, and some can serve as a historical document. As, for example, the Azulejo stored in the Lisbon National Museum – the world’s largest collection of Portuguese wall pottery – a panel depicting the capital of Portugal before the 1755 earthquake.

Traditional Portuguese Azulejo art

Amazing stories of Azulejo blue painting

Amazing stories of Azulejo blue painting

Sea theme in Azulejo art

Sea theme in Azulejo art

Shiny tiles decorate exterior walls of different buildings

Shiny tiles decorate exterior walls of different buildings

Azulejo tiles in interior and exterior walls of different buildings

Blue Azulejo tiles in interior and exterior walls of different buildings

From the beautiful Azulejo tiles, viewers can learn much about the history and culture of Portugal

From the beautiful Azulejo tiles, viewers can learn much about the history and culture of Portugal

Historical scenes

History scenes

Biblical subjects and scenes of life

Biblical subjects and scenes of life

The images of the saints were to protect the houses from disasters

The images of the saints were to protect the houses from disasters

Picturesque Azulejo art

Picturesque Azulejo art

Panoramic images of Azulejo art

Panoramic images of Azulejo art

Ancient tiles of Azulejo art

Ancient tiles of Azulejo art

The facades of the houses look like picture galleries

The facades of the houses look like picture galleries

Traditional Portuguese Azulejo art

Sea story in Azulejo art

Dramatic scenes from the history of the country

Dramatic scenes from the history of the country

Storms and disasters, the variety of Azulejo art has no limits

Storms and disasters, the variety of Azulejo art

Beautiful and unique Azulejo art

Beautiful and unique Azulejo art

In the beginning of XVIII century the blue-and-white Azulejos with historical and genre compositions became popular

In the beginning of XVIII century the blue-and-white Azulejos with historical and genre compositions became popular

Meanwhile, Azulejo art attracts lots of tourists

Meanwhile, Azulejo art attracts lots of tourists

By the mid-nineteenth century thanks to mass industrial production, Azulejos became a national treasure

By the mid-nineteenth century thanks to mass industrial production, Azulejos became a national treasure

Masters decorated not only palaces and churches, but also modest houses

Masters decorated not only palaces and churches, but also modest houses

Battle scene, Azulejo art

Battle scene, Azulejo art

Tourists looking at Azulejo tiles

Tourists looking at Azulejo tiles

Interior decorated with Azulejo tiles

Interior decorated with Azulejo tiles

Staircase decorated with Azulejo art

Staircase decorated with Azulejo art

Known from 15th century, Azulejo art

Known from 15th century, Azulejo art

Realistic painting, history of Portugal

Realistic painting, history of Portugal

Truly, a symbol of Portugal – Traditional Portuguese Azulejo art

Truly, a symbol of Portugal – Traditional Portuguese Azulejo art

sources
www.sorriso-portugal.com
wiki/Azulejo