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Agostinho José da Mota (1824–1878) |
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Born
in Rio de Janeiro, Agostinho José da Mota was a Brazilian painter and
art educator, renowned for his landscapes and still lifes. His artistic
inclinations emerged early, leading him to enrol at the Imperial Academy
of Fine Arts in 1837. Recognised for his talent, he was awarded the
prestigious travel prize to Europe in 1850. Over the next eight years,
he immersed himself in the artistic circles of Rome, where he studied
under the French landscape painter Jean-Achille Benouville. This period
proved significant in shaping his approach to plein air painting, which
emphasised direct observation of nature. Upon returning to Brazil in
1859, da Mota became an influential figure in the country's art scene.
He joined the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts as a professor, mentoring
a new generation of artists. His contributions extended beyond teaching,
as he regularly exhibited at the annual general exhibitions of fine
arts, earning accolades such as the gold medal in 1852, the Order of
the Rose in 1868, and the Order of Christ in 1871. Among his notable
students were Modesto Brocos, Henrique Bernardelli, Pedro Peres, Firmino
Monteiro, and José Maria de Medeiros, all of whom became respected painters
in their own right. Da Mota also received patronage from Empress Teresa
Cristina, who commissioned several still lifes. His careful attention
to light, colour, and composition elevated his still lifes, making them
some of the finest examples of the genre in Brazilian art. Throughout
his career, he remained committed to capturing Brazil’s landscapes
and rich natural beauty. His work contributed to the development of
plein air painting in Brazil, paving the way for later artistic movements.
Agostinho José da Mota died in Rio de Janeiro. |
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Art