Candido Portinari

["Painter", "Muralist", "Neo-Realist Master"]

Born Dec 30, 1903

Brodowski (Sao Paulo), Brazil

Passed Away Feb 06, 1962 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Lifespan 58 years old

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Notice / Correction

"My painting is social painting. I do not believe in ivory tower art."

Archival Overview

Brazilian painter and muralist who created the monumental War and Peace murals for the United Nations Headquarters in New York, capturing the soul of Brazilian laborers and drought refugees.

Biographical Record

The son of impoverished Italian immigrants on a coffee plantation, Candido Portinari (1903–1962) depicted Brazilian coffee laborers, Afro-Brazilian migrants, and the northeastern reticence with monumental sculptural dignity. In 1935, his canvas 'Cafe' won an honorable mention at the Carnegie International in Pittsburgh.

Commissioned by the Brazilian government, Portinari painted 'War and Peace' ('Guerra e Paz') between 1952 and 1956—two towering 14-meter murals gifted to the UN Headquarters. Warned that his pigments were slowly poisoning him with lead, he refused to stop painting, sacrificing his life for his art.

Key Life Milestones

1935

International Acclaim for 'Cafe'

Won Carnegie International recognition for his monumental oil painting of plantation workers.

1956

War and Peace Murals at the UN

Completed the monumental twin murals installed permanently at the United Nations General Assembly.

Memorial Guestbook & Tributes

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Sao Joao Batista Cemetery
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

                         GPS: -22.9596, -43.1898                    

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