I give the orders: the self-representation of Heitor dos Prazeres

Abstract

This essay investigates the elements combined by Heitor dos Prazeres to construe his self-protrait, the painting O artista [The Artist], in the São Paulo Museum of Art collection. Circumventing the reductionist and schematic representations common to approaches to Black individuals in the history of Brazilian art, Heitor adds attributes to compose a complex figure, using legible elements from the group to which he belongs. A work of exception in his legacy, the painting urge us to reflect in the modern cultural revolution in which Heitor took part, and which gave birth to the urban samba of Rio de Janeiro. The portrait requires a curious reading about its values and references to understand how Heitor sees himself while assembling his own image.

Keywords:
Art History; Portraits; Afro-Brazilian Representation