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Statue of José I of Portugal

The statue of José I of Portugal is a bronze equestrian monument located on Lisbon’s Praça do Comércio. Designed by sculptor Joaquim Machado de Castro, it commemorates King Joseph I, known as “the Reformer.” It was the first equestrian statue created in Portugal and the first sculptural monument in public space dedicated to a living person. The work also marked a technical milestone, as it was the first statue of this size to be cast in a single pour in Portugal and in the world. Its creation was tied to the post-1755 earthquake reconstruction of Lisbon, and it was eventually installed in the square after being transported from the foundry for its inauguration.

Equestrian statue of Joseph I on a tall ornate pedestal against a blue sky.
The Equestrian Statue of Joseph I rises on an elaborate white stone pedestal beneath a bright sky.
March 2018 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Equestrian Statue of Joseph I on a tall ornate pedestal with marble figures and reliefs against a blue sky.
The Equestrian Statue of Joseph I rises above an elaborately carved pedestal with allegorical figures and relief details.
October 2018 © · CC BY-SA 2.0
The Equestrian Statue of Joseph I on a white stone pedestal in a public square, with a grand archway and yellow buildings behind it.
The Equestrian Statue of Joseph I rises above a decorated pedestal in a busy Lisbon square.
September 2017 © · CC BY 2.0
The Equestrian Statue of Joseph I on a tall stone pedestal in a sunny public square in Lisbon, surrounded by a fence and pedestrians.
The Equestrian Statue of Joseph I stands prominently in Lisbon’s Praça do Comércio.
November 2017 © · CC BY-SA 2.0
Equestrian Statue of Joseph I on a tall ornate pedestal with sculpted details, including an elephant, in front of a colorful building.
The Equestrian Statue of Joseph I stands on an ornate pedestal in Lisbon, with a colorful building behind it.
March 2018 © · Public domain

Identification

TitleStatue of José I of Portugal
TypeEquestrian statue
SubjectKing Joseph I of Portugal

Creator

Designer of pedestalReinaldo Manuel dos Santos
SculptorJoaquim Machado de Castro

Historical context

SignificanceFirst equestrian statue created in Portugal
SignificanceDescribed as the first statue of its size cast in a single pour in Portugal and in the world
PurposeCommemorates King Joseph I of Portugal
Original plan byEugénio dos Santos
Historical contextCreated as part of the reconstruction of Lisbon after the 1755 earthquake
SignificanceFirst sculptural monument in public space in Portugal dedicated to a living person

Discovery and provenance

Commissioned toJoaquim Machado de Castro
Basis for designInitial studies by Eugénio dos Santos
Sources used by sculptorOther representations of the king, especially profile images on royal coins

Physical characteristics

ScaleMonumental
Height14 meters including the pedestal

Materials

Statue materialBronze
Pedestal materialLimestone

Technique

Technical innovationMilitary foundry methods were adapted to sculpture
Finishing workBronze finishing and retouching took 63 days
Casting supervisionDirected by Brigadier Bartolomeu da Costa under Machado de Castro
Casting methodCast in a single pour of copper
Casting date15 October 1774

Location and ownership

Current locationPraça do Comércio, Lisbon, Portugal
Planned locationCenter of Praça do Comércio, on the ruins of the courtyard of the Paço da Ribeira
OrientationFaces the Tagus River
Nearby landmarkThe Arco da Rua Augusta stands behind the statue

Appearance

Pedestal decorationPortuguese royal arms on the front; a bronze medallion with a bust of the Marquis of Pombal
Compositional settingThe statue is framed by the Arco da Rua Augusta, intensifying the representation of royal power
Side figuresAn elephant and the goddess Fama with a trumpet on the left; a horse with an allegorical figure of Triumph on the right
HeadgearAn ornate plumed helmet
Iconographic detailThe horse tramples serpents as it advances
Horse poseThe horse raises its front right leg
PoseThe king looks to his right, aligned with the direction of the horse

History and restoration

Work interruptedStopped in 1760 after the death of Eugénio dos Santos
Foundation for pedestalBuilt immediately after the project began
Inspection by royalsOn 15 May 1775, King Joseph I and Queen Mariana Victoria visited the Casa da Fundição to see the statue
Queen's comment"The face of the figure is horrible"
Explanation for the face's appearanceMachado de Castro said it was due to inadequate lighting and the statue not yet having lost its shine
Public viewingThe day after the royal visit, the Casa da Fundição opened to people of distinction and civility; large crowds came to see the work over the next four days
Transport to installation siteMoved from the foundry to the unfinished Praça do Comércio on 25 May 1775
Inauguration6 June 1775, during the celebrations of the king's 61st birthday

Significance

Artistic significanceDescribed as a notable sculptural work
Public-monument significanceFirst sculptural monument in public space dedicated to a living person