Plaque

Item number 2956/95 a-i from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

Public

Item Records

This page shows all the information we have about this item. Both the institution that physically holds this item, and RRN members have contributed the knowledge on this page. You’re looking at the item record provided by the holding institution. If you scroll further down the page, you’ll see the information from RRN members, and can share your own knowledge too.

The RRN processes the information it receives from each institution to make it more readable and easier to search. If you’re doing in-depth research on this item, be sure to take a look at the Data Source tab to see the information exactly as it was provided by the institution.

These records are easy to share because each has a unique web address. You can copy and paste the location from your browser’s address bar into an email, word document, or chat message to share this item with others.

Data
Data Source

This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.

Description

Three dimensional ceramic plaque, or panel, representing a scene of political satire. Plaque has eighteen political figures arranged around a devil with a silver pitchfork in the centre. Six other figures are arranged in the centre portion around the devil figure, one above the devil holds a black cross. Eight figures are seated around the white, raised outer edge of the panel. Parts b-i attach to the top of the panel: they are three standing figures, each holding a flag (China, United States, Germany), and one kneeling figure holding a Portuguese flag. The central panel background is red and yellow. There is writing on the surface beside each figure.

Narrative

Surmounted by world leaders and President Aníbal Cavaco Silva, humbly beseeching financial aid, Zé Povinho (representing the Portuguese people) carries the heavy cross of debt repayment. In the lower part, representatives of the International Monetary Fund and European Bank meet government representatives in hell to discuss Portugal’s economic woes.

Iconographic Meaning

One of three plaques (2956/95-96; 3105/3) made by Francisco and Manuel Esteves Lima (the Mistério brothers), that documents the growing economic and social crisis that has afflicted Portugal since 2008.