Gilders and painters-gilders in the Golden Age of Évora

Abstract

At the end of the 15th century, Évora was a cosmopolitan town whose importance was increasing in cultural and artistic terms. Throughout the 16th century, and until the rst half of 17th century, the town experienced a golden age, welcoming many Portuguese and foreign artists, who were closely following the royal court. Among them there were painters, gilders and woodcarvers, responding to the growing demand for work. This paper provides an insight into the lives of some of these men from the 16th to the early 18th century. Through a documental survey, details of the gilded production, patrons and labor organization are presented, along with data on the personal and social daily life of these artists.