Leonor Brilha’s “O Lagarto da Penha”: A Mural Tale in Lisbon’s Urban Mosaic

Title: O Lagarto da Penha
Creator: Leonor Brilha
Creator Lifespan: 1982/2014
Date: 2013/2013
Physical Location: Calçada do Poço dos Mouros, Lisboa, Portugal (38°43’48” N 9°7’51” W)
Location Created: Calçada do Poço dos Mouros, Lisboa
Technique: Painting
Description: A lizard painted black and white, a man sleeping, a saint and a snake. Local legend says that the lizard, called by the saint, woke up the man just before the attack from the snake. There is a profusion of traditional iconography Portuguese as filigree hearts.
Type: Painting
Rights: © CML | DPC | José Vicente 2013
Medium: Wall

Leonor Brilha: Brushing Stories on Lisbon’s Walls

Leonor Brilha, born in 1982 and leaving behind a creative legacy until 2014, etched her artistic presence in the streets of Lisbon. Her mural, “O Lagarto da Penha,” not only showcases her prowess as a painter but also weaves a narrative deeply rooted in local legend and Portuguese iconography.

Unveiling “O Lagarto da Penha”: A Black and White Overture

In 2013, on Calçada do Poço dos Mouros, Leonor Brilha unveiled “O Lagarto da Penha.” This mural, adorned with a black and white lizard, a slumbering man, a saint, and a snake, becomes a visual symphony that harmonizes local folklore with artistic expression.

Legend and Iconography: The Multifaceted Canvas

The mural is not just a visual spectacle but a canvas layered with legend and iconography. According to local lore, the lizard, heeded by the saint, roused the sleeping man just in time to thwart an impending snake attack. The mural also features intricate Portuguese filigree hearts, adding depth to the storytelling.

Calçada do Poço dos Mouros: A Mural Haven

Situated on Calçada do Poço dos Mouros, the mural becomes an integral part of Lisbon’s urban landscape. The location itself becomes a haven for art enthusiasts, a place where the cultural tapestry of the city intersects with Brilha’s artistic expression.

Technique: Painting Stories on Walls

Leonor Brilha’s technique involves more than mere strokes of paint; it’s an orchestration of stories on walls. The mural transcends its physicality, inviting viewers to engage not just with the images but with the tales interwoven within the layers of black and white.

Rights and Provenance: A Captured Moment

Photographer José Vicente, capturing the essence of the mural, preserves its rights and provenance. The documentation becomes a portal for both local residents and global admirers to experience the captured moment in time.

The Legacy of Leonor Brilha: 1982-2014

With a lifespan from 1982 to 2014, Leonor Brilha left a lasting legacy in Lisbon’s artistic landscape. “O Lagarto da Penha” stands as a testament to her ability to transform walls into living canvases, contributing to the dialogue between art and the urban environment.

Coordinates: Navigating the Visual Landscape

The coordinates (38°43’48” N 9°7’51” W) signify more than just a location; they guide art enthusiasts to the precise spot where Brilha’s mural comes to life. It becomes a pilgrimage for those seeking to navigate Lisbon’s visual landscape through the lens of “O Lagarto da Penha.”

External Link: José Vicente’s Portal to the Mural

The external link serves as a virtual portal, allowing digital visitors to immerse themselves in Brilha’s creation. It becomes a bridge between the physical mural and a global audience eager to explore the mural’s details.

Conclusion: “O Lagarto da Penha” Echoes Through Time

In conclusion, “O Lagarto da Penha” by Leonor Brilha echoes through time, telling a story that transcends its visual elements. The mural becomes a living testament to the artist’s ability to infuse urban landscapes with tales of legend and tradition. Calçada do Poço dos Mouros, adorned with Brilha’s creation, stands as a testament to the enduring dialogue between art, culture, and the streets of Lisbon.

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