Series of lectures on tiles

Lectures given by João Miguel dos Santos Simões between January and March 1968, in the Foundation’s auditorium.

 

Concept of architectural decoration: ceramics as a structural and decorative material. The scale and rhythm. The materials and techniques: from clay to tile.

 

Ceramic applications in Islamicised countries. Techniques and developments. Migrations of artists and products: Mediterranean and Iberian Peninsula. Ceramic decoration in Renaissance Italy: Della Robias and Majolica.

 

Introduction of the tile in Portugal. Andalusian and Levantine imports: characteristics and most important groups. Mudejar techniques and forms: Manuelina and Joanina eras. Differentiation of tile applications in Portugal. Flanders as a centre for the irradiation of artists and craftsmen: reflections on the Peninsula – the Pisano tiles. Talavera de la Reina and Sevilha. Independence of the Portuguese tile.

 

Portuguese tiles of the 17th century: processes, techniques, and ornamental themes – the so-called “azulejo de tapete”. The adaptability to Mannerist and pre-Baroque architecture.

 

Continuation of the 17th century. Differentiated applications: altar fronts, ornamental and figurative panels. The craft of the tiler-decorator. Role of religious orders and the Church as main consumers. Examples in the Portuguese Islands and Brazil.

 

Tile evolution in Northern Europe: the Netherlands and the Dutch influence on Portuguese tiles; the “blue and white”, causes and favour of this fashion.

 

Portuguese tiles in the first quarter of the 18th century: production centres. The “grande-pintura” and the masters of “brutesco” – Barco, Oliveira Bernardes […] The azulejo-talha binomial in Portuguese architecture.

 

The time of the “great production” (1725 – 1755). Lisbon, Oporto, Coimbra and sporadic instances (Viana). The tile “D. João V”. Minor applications – single figure tiles, vases, “registers” […]

 

The Lisbon Earthquake and the tiles. The turning point of taste: new forms, new concepts, new techniques, new clients, new organisation. Rococo and Neoclassical. The Real Fábrica da Louça (commonly known as “Rato”) and its derivated factories.

 

The decline of the azulejo (1790 – 1810). The “case” of Brazil and the “Brazilians” – tiles for façades. Industrialisation of the tile (1850 – 1900). The attempts at reunion: Luiz das Tabuletas, Pereira Cão, Jorge Colaço; the false traditionalism. The modern movements of integration of the tile in its decorative function. What has been done and what could be done.

All lectures are given in Portuguese.