Portuguese Art
Portugal has a long cultural history. Dating from prehistoric times into the eras of Roman and Moorish invasion, each has left their traces in a rich legacy of archaeological remains, including prehistoric cave paintings at Escoral, the Roman township of Conimbriga, the Temple of Diana in Évora and the typical Moorish architecture of southern towns like Olhão and Tavira.
Portugal's arts have been enriched by foreign influences, including Flemish, French and Italian. And in the 1950s, a group of local Lisbon entrepreneurs showcased up-and-coming artists in a new hotel, which still today at Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon, represents the region’s rich history and its vibrant present.
At Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon, we are committed to showing the work of local artists. We are currently showing tapestries by José de Almada Negreiros, one of Lisbon’s most famous artisans, which hang in his eponymous lounge. One can see the strong influence of Picasso in his work’s bold lines, bright colour palette and somewhat suggestive themes. While his large gold graffiti and engraved marble wall, Harvest, can be seen in the Lobby Gallery.
Another tapestry artist, Pedro Leitão, created several hangings especially for the Hotel, including Portalegre, hanging in the Ritz Bar, named for the old city in central Portugal.
