A collection of works by the Algarve’s revered 17th century Baroque sculptor Manuel Martins will be exhibited at Faro’s municipal museum between February 1 and October 18.

The sculptures, many of which have been loaned by local churches especially for the exhibition, have been restored by the museum’s conservation team as part of a project headed by art historian and University of the Algarve professor Francisco Lameira.

Manuel Martins lived in Faro between 1667 and 1743 and had a workshop on the former Rua dos Capuchos, now known as Rua Serpa Pinto.

His workshop became “one of the busiest in the region”, says the local council, and saw him establishing himself as one of the most popular Baroque-style artists in the Algarve.

The council adds that his works were “renowned for their beauty and creativity” and earned him “praise from the region’s clientele at the time, namely religious institutions”.

His brother-in-law João Baptista Severino is credited with teaching Manuel Martins, who then passed what he learned to other reputable artists from that time period such as Tomé da Costa, Francisco Guedelha and João Baptista.

The inauguration of the exhibition will begin at 6pm and will feature a musical performance by F3 and a guided tour led by Francisco Lameira.

The museum is open from 10am to 6pm between Tuesday and Friday and from 10.30am to 5pm on weekends.

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Source: The Portugal Resident