Our Lady of Piety reflects the dominant artistic modes of Portugal at the time of its creation, mainly the Rococo style, but also its predecessor, the Baroque. The discovery, and soon after the mining, of gold in Minas Gerais (a southeastern area of Brazil noted for its mines) facilitated the development of the Brazilian Rococo style. Indeed, the area also provided the gold that was needed for the gilding that was a significant feature of this ornate style.
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Triumph of the Marine Venus
Sebastiano Ricci, Rococo
Wikimedia Commons
Rococo style church ceiling by Francisco Ataide
The use of the Rococo style in the ornamentation of Our Lady of Piety can be seen in the delicate pastel decorative details surrounding the central Pietà. These ornate flowers and draped garlands stand in sharp contrast to the tangible pain of the Christ figure and the mourning Mary, which reflect the Baroque style.
Our Lady of Piety
Brazilian Oratory
Close up
VMFA Photo Resources
Many features of this oratory, however, are unique to Minas Gerais, the part of Brazil where the Oratory was created. The shells, beetles, and silver ingots in the sculpture are made from the natural resources of the area, while the storks in the pond at front center are references to local animal life. In addition, the capitals of the columns, which in Rococo decorations usually feature the elaborate Corinthian style, here represent palm fronds, making the columns look like palm trees, which are typical of the region.
Links to Other Pages
Brazilian Oratory: Baroque, Rococo, and Local Influences
Brazilian Oratory: Notes on Brazilian History
Our Lady of Piety Oratory: The Influence of European Religion on South America
Our Lady of Piety Oratory: Condition through the Years
Our Lady of Piety Oratory: Conservation
The Story of How the Beetle got its Colors