Candido Portinari is one of the most renowned Brazilian artists of the 20th century. Born in 1903 in a small town in São Paulo, he went on to become a prolific painter, muralist, and illustrator. One of his most iconic works is a painting called “Os Retirantes,” which depicts a family of migrants leaving their home in search of a better life. In this article, we will delve deeper into the meaning behind this painting and its significance in Brazilian culture.
The Context of “Os Retirantes”
The painting “Os Retirantes” was created in 1944 during a period of great social and economic upheaval in Brazil. At the time, the country was experiencing a drought that had resulted in a massive migration of people from the Northeast to the Southeast in search of work and better living conditions. Portinari himself was deeply affected by this crisis, having grown up in a poor family of coffee plantation workers. He was also a social activist and saw his art as a way to bring attention to the struggles of the working class.
The Composition of the Painting
“Os Retirantes” is an oil painting on canvas that measures 1.5 meters by 1.8 meters. The painting depicts a family of five walking on a dusty road, with the father carrying a bundle on his back and the mother holding a baby in her arms. The figures are portrayed in a realistic style, with attention paid to their facial expressions and body language. The colors used in the painting are muted and somber, reflecting the harshness of their journey.
The Symbolism of “Os Retirantes”
“Os Retirantes” is a powerful representation of the struggles of the working class in Brazil. The painting captures the sense of desperation and hopelessness that many migrants felt as they left their homes in search of a better life. The family in the painting represents the thousands of families who were forced to leave their homes due to poverty, drought, and political instability.
The painting is also a commentary on the role of the government and society in addressing the needs of the working class. Portinari believed that it was the responsibility of the government to provide basic needs such as food, water, and shelter for everyone, regardless of their social status. “Os Retirantes” is a call to action for society to recognize the plight of the working class and to work towards creating a more just and equal society.
The Legacy of “Os Retirantes”
“Os Retirantes” has become an iconic painting in Brazilian culture, representing the struggles and resilience of the working class. It has been reproduced in numerous forms, including on postage stamps and on the 50 cruzados banknote. The painting has also inspired other artists and writers to explore themes of migration and social justice in their work.
Conclusion
“Os Retirantes” is a powerful and poignant painting that captures the struggles of the working class in Brazil. Portinari’s use of realism and symbolism creates a compelling image that calls attention to the social and economic injustices of the time. The painting continues to be an important cultural artifact, inspiring discussions and reflections on issues of migration, poverty, and social justice in Brazil and beyond.
FAQs
1. What is “Os Retirantes”?
“Os Retirantes” is an oil painting on canvas created by Brazilian artist Candido Portinari in 1944. It depicts a family of five migrants leaving their home in search of a better life.
2. What is the meaning behind “Os Retirantes”?
“Os Retirantes” is a commentary on the struggles of the working class in Brazil and a call to action for society to recognize the plight of the poor and work towards creating a more just and equal society.
3. What is the significance of “Os Retirantes” in Brazilian culture?
“Os Retirantes” has become an iconic painting in Brazilian culture, representing the struggles and resilience of the working class. It has been reproduced in numerous forms and has inspired other artists and writers to explore themes of migration and social justice in their work.
4. What was the context in which “Os Retirantes” was created?
“Os Retirantes” was created in 1944 during a period of great social and economic upheaval in Brazil. At the time, the country was experiencing a drought that had resulted in a massive migration of people from the Northeast to the Southeast in search of work and better living conditions.
5. What is Candido Portinari’s legacy?
Candido Portinari is one of the most renowned Brazilian artists of the 20th century. He was a prolific painter, muralist, and illustrator who used his art to bring attention to the struggles of the working class. His legacy continues to inspire artists and activists around the world.
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