SCULPTURE

98 cm x 45 cm x 18 cm

"Renaissance"

9:40 a.m., November 1, 1755, the largest earthquake in Europe reduced two-thirds of the Portuguese capital Lisbon to rubble. Waves five meters high crashed into the harbour. A huge fire followed for five days.

The monarchy, headed by King Dom José I, is unable to react, paralyzed by the scale of the disaster. The Marquis de Pombal then took stock of the situation and launched a challenge to give Lisbon a second life.

The Marquis wanted to cover the facades of the houses with azulejos to protect them from the risk of fire and to improve the hygiene of the cities to inspire ideas, lights and English rationalism.

The process of RENAISSANCE has begun...