A COLLECTION WITH INFINITE STORIES
Coming from various devotional communities and chapels on the island of Madeira, the paintings, sculptures and liturgical implements that make up the MASF collection constitute a historical testimony whose importance and representativeness go far beyond the religious experience of its inhabitants.
They form an important cultural and artistic heritage, from which we can better understand the social, economic and cultural dynamics of Madeira over the centuries - since the settlement of the Island in the 15th century.
They form an important cultural and artistic heritage, from which we can better understand the social, economic and cultural dynamics of Madeira over the centuries - since the settlement of the Island in the 15th century.
PORTUGUESE ART
The Sacred Art Museum hosts a collection of Portuguese religious painting and sculpture spanning the period from the 15th to the 18th century. A tour following a chronological approach will offer a perception of changes in modes of expression both in painting and sculpture from the Gothic period to Baroque, including the influence of Renaissance Humanism in Flemish and Italian Art.
FLEMISH ART
Extensive trade with Flanders from the 15th century onwards and until mid-16th century, supported by a flourishing sugar industry on the south coast of Madeira, accounts for the abundance of Flemish painting, sculpture and silver artwork on the Island.
During that period, many manufacturers and sugar factory owners, as well as local traders, carried out sumptuous orders from Flanders. In the present day, the collection on display in the Sacred Art Museum of Funchal is the most significant ensemble of Flemish art on the island, perhaps unparalleled in Portugal.
During that period, many manufacturers and sugar factory owners, as well as local traders, carried out sumptuous orders from Flanders. In the present day, the collection on display in the Sacred Art Museum of Funchal is the most significant ensemble of Flemish art on the island, perhaps unparalleled in Portugal.
OTHER ORIGINS
The sacred gold and silver collection consists of liturgical vessels used in Catholic worship in churches and chapels around the island. It features pieces crafted mostly in Portuguese workshops — including the ones on the island — and also in Flemish workshops.
This richly varied ensemble comprises pieces from the 15th to the 18th centuries, covering various styles and art movements. Notable are, for instance, the religious vessels which were once part of the Funchal Cathedral’s Treasure.
This richly varied ensemble comprises pieces from the 15th to the 18th centuries, covering various styles and art movements. Notable are, for instance, the religious vessels which were once part of the Funchal Cathedral’s Treasure.
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