The ways in which carving ateliers were organized are still unknown by Minas Gerais art historiography in the 18th century. This fact is due, besides other reasons, to the scarcity of primary sources that can provide further information about it. Therefore, this article shows some peculiarities of the creation and management of a carving atelier that was installed in the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, the current Cathedral of Mariana. In addition, this article will try to highlight the importance of the contract of the action of the carving work regarding the fulfillment of their contractual terms. This study is possible due to the existence of some primary documentation that shows the composition and organization of a carving atelier around the year 1749, which suffers criminal penalties for noncompliance with the terms and conditions of the contract of the auction of the carving work.
arts; work; gilt statue