Memória e devoção franciscana: a iconografia dos tetos dos Conventos Franciscanos do Nordeste

Abstract

This paper addresses the iconographic themes depicted on the ceilings of the thirteen convents of the Order of Saint Francis in Northeast Brazil. Our motivation stems from the recognition of historiographical gaps, not only concerning the history of the Friars Minor in the country but also the scarcity of systematic studies regarding Franciscan artworks. Ceilings represent a specific subset within the broader array of artistic and architectural objects comprising the Franciscan material heritage in Brazil. To address the objectives of this study, we will delve into its key components. The first step involves analyzing the presence of the Friars Minor in Colonial Brazil, exploring both socio-political aspects and their heritage. Another focus of this thesis is the artistic nature of the ceilings, involving the conceptualization of the term and technical characteristics of these coverings. Subsequently, we will detail the collection from Northeastern convents and the findings from site visits, emphasizing the characteristics of their ceilings. This study will conclude with an iconographic analysis of these ceilings, highlighting themes such as the representation of the Seraphic Order, philosophers, and theologians, culminating in the dogmatic figure of the Immaculate Conception. This structured investigative approach aims to better comprehend each detail toward our initial objective: analyzing how the Order of Friars Minor, residing in Northeastern convents, utilized their artistic objects as tools for the propagation of faith and memory.