José Malhoa

Painter born in Caldas da Rainha

Born in Caldas da Rainha, Malhoa entered the Art school at the age of 12, studying for next eight years under such masters as Leandro Braga, Anunciação, Lupi and Simões de Almeida, among others. Following a period in which he almost totally abandoned his art, the success of his painting, A Seara Invadida (Corn field invaded by cattle), in Madrid in 1881, encouraged him to return to art. Malhoa`s membership of the Grupo do Leão until 1889 - pioneers of Naturalism in Portugal - was of structural importance to his career.

José Malhoa participated in numerous exhibitions

José Malhoa joined the Grémio Artístico (Artist`s Guild) in 1890, forerunner of the National Fine Arts Society (SNBA), founded 1901, of which he was the first chairman. José Malhoa participated in numerous exhibitions and was a frequent exhibitor at the Grémio Artístico, SNBA and Paris Salon; his 1906 exhibition in Rio de Janeiro earned him major success. In 1928, a Grand Exhibition was held in his honor at the SNBA, and José Malhoa was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Saint James; in 1933, the year of his death, the José Malhoa Museum was set up in Caldas da Rainha.

Important for Portuguese culture

José Malhoa importance to Portuguese culture lies in his understanding of the painter`s art. His works reflect urban and middle class themes, also touching on rural Portugal, from landscapes to customs and scenes from everyday life; he also painted portraits, both of popular and middle-class figures. The result is an authentic picture of a diverse human panorama that reflects his understanding of his relationship with the environment, nature and the countryside he recreates and humanises.
Issue: Portugal, April 2005