Aleijadinho is considered the greatest representative of the Minas Gerais Baroque style, known for his soapstone sculptures, wood carvings, altars and churches.

Biography of Antônio Francisco Lisboa or Aleijadinho

Antônio Francisco Lisboa (1738-1814), better known by his nickname Aleijadinho, was born in Ouro Preto, the capital of colonial Minas Gerais.

According to tradition, his father was a Portuguese carpenter and his mother an African slave.

Born in a province in the interior, discovered and founded by Brazilian (and not Portuguese) explorers, and also typically Brazilian in his blood – a mix of Portuguese and African – he is rightly hailed by his compatriots as a truly “national” figure.

Very little is known of his life.

He is said to have been a small, misshapen mulatto who, in the last years of his life, suffered from a mysterious illness which left him so crippled that he could no longer walk; his fingers were curled and his face so affected that it became hideous and repulsive.

Aware of the fear his appearance inspired, he developed a morbid fear of being seen and went to extreme lengths to conceal himself.

But even when hidden by awnings, he continued to work tirelessly. It was his favourite slave, Mauricio, who strapped the chisel and sledgehammer to his paralysed hands.

When he was nearly 60, he took on the task of carving 64 life-size wooden images and twelve gigantic stone statues for the pilgrimage church in Congonhas do Campo, a small town between São João del Rei and Ouro Preto.

It took him ten years to complete the work.

The figures in Congonhas are very uneven in quality, as if reflecting the bumpy progress of the sculptor’s terrible illness. However, they include works that are perhaps the most dramatic works of art in South America.

See the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Matozinhos in Congonhas MG

Video about the biography of Aleijadinho’s works

Biografia de Obras de Antônio Francisco Lisboa, o Aleijadinho

Works by Aleijadinho, the Antônio Francisco Lisboa

Antônio Francisco Lisboa, or Aleijadinho, is one of the most representative figures of Brazilian Baroque. His works, mainly religious, are concentrated in Minas Gerais and are notable for their expressiveness, richness of detail and technical mastery.

1. Church of St Francis of Assisi – Ouro Preto (MG)
2. Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Matosinhos – Congonhas (MG)
3. Church of St Francis of Assisi – São João del-Rei (MG)
4. Fountain of Samaritana – Mariana (MG)
5. Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Sabará (MG)
6. Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Ouro Preto (MG)
7. Church of Our Lady of Mercy and Pardon – Ouro Preto (MG)
8. Church of Our Lady of the Conception – Ouro Preto (MG)
9. Church of Our Lady of Pilar – Ouro Preto (MG)
10. Church of St. John the Baptist – Barão de Cocais (MG)
11. Church of St. Francis of Paola – Ouro Preto (MG)
12. Mother Church of Nossa Senhora do Bom Sucesso – Caeté (MG)

Below we present her main creations, with location and description:

1. Church of St Francis of Assisi – Ouro Preto (MG)

Largo do Coimbra, Historic Centre, Ouro Preto – MG

Aleijadinho was responsible for the architectural design and sculptural decoration of one of Brazil’s most emblematic baroque churches. The soapstone façade stands out for its harmonious forms and artistic refinement.

 

 

 

 

 

2. Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Matosinhos – Congonhas (MG)

Basilica Square, Centre, Congonhas – MG

His masterpiece. In the cemetery, Aleijadinho carved the famous Twelve Prophets in soapstone, each with a unique expressiveness. He also created 66 wooden sculptures that make up the Chapels of the Steps of the Passion, which are distributed throughout the Sanctuary.

3. Church of St Francis of Assisi – São João del-Rei (MG)

Frei Orlando Square, Centre, São João del-Rei – MG

Its architectural design is attributed to Aleijadinho. The church has an elegant Rococo façade and interior decoration, rich in detail and strongly influenced by the artist.

4. Samaritana Fountain – Mariana (MG)

Rua Dom Viçoso, Historic Centre, Mariana – MG

Soapstone sculpture representing the biblical scene of the Samaritan woman at the well. The work expresses the dynamism and anatomical details characteristic of Aleijadinho.

5. Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Sabará (MG)

Dom Pedro II Street, Centre, Sabará – MG

Aleijadinho participated in the creation of the portal and the side altars, with meticulous gilded wood carvings, typical of the Baroque style in Minas Gerais.

6. Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Ouro Preto (MG)

Brigadeiro Musqueira Street, Historic Centre, Ouro Preto – MG

The artist was responsible for various interior decorative elements, including the side altars, which show his detailed and unmistakable style.

7. Church of Our Lady of Mercy and Pardons – Ouro Preto (MG)

Rua Padre Rolim, Centre, Ouro Preto – MG

Aleijadinho worked on the façade and part of the interior. The church represents a synthesis of Minas Gerais Baroque and the artistic maturity of the sculptor.

8. Church of Our Lady of the Conception – Ouro Preto (MG)

Rua Bernardo Vasconcelos, Antônio Dias, Ouro Preto – MG

Aleijadinho made carvings and sculptures on the altars of the church. It is also the place where his remains are buried, making the temple even more important.

9. Parish Church of Our Lady of Pilar – Ouro Preto (MG)

Monsenhor Castilho Barbosa Square, Pilar, Ouro Preto – MG

One of the richest churches in Brazil in terms of Baroque ornamentation, with more than 400 kg of gold and silver in its interior decoration.

Although most of the works are attributed to other artists, Aleijadinho collaborated on the sculptures and carvings, especially on the side altars and decorative details.

The grandeur and richness of the church demonstrate the height of the Baroque style in Minas Gerais, a scene in which Aleijadinho was deeply involved.

 

10. Church of St. John the Baptist – Barão de Cocais (MG)

Praça da Matriz, s/n – Centre, Barão de Cocais – MG

Innovative architectural design with diagonal towers. Begun in 1764.

11. Church of St. Francis of Paola – Ouro Preto (MG)

Rua Padre Rolim, s/n – Alto da Cruz, Ouro Preto – MG

This is the last work attributed to Aleijadinho. An imposing façade with Baroque and Rococo elements. Begun in 1804.

12. Parish Church of Our Lady of Good Success – Caeté (MG)

Praça João Pinheiro, s/n – Centre, Caeté – MG

Church with decorative elements of the Minas Gerais Baroque style. Aleijadinho contributed with carvings and sculptures.

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