Plaque

Item number 2956/96 a-c from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Three dimensional ceramic plaque, or panel, representing a scene of political satire. Plaque has eighteen figures, including one standing on top (part b) holding the Portuguese flag (part c). There are three figures in the centre of the panel with a black cross, and seven figures seated around the white, raised outer edge. Seven more figures, including a devil, are arranged on red and yellow flames in the lower section. The central background of the panel is light blue.

Narrative

The president of Portugal, Aníbal Cavaco Silva, stands holding the country’s flag. Below him, in the upper half of the plaque Zé Povinho, a caricature of the long suffering Portuguese people, is shown being pulled in opposing directions by representatives of the leftist political parties. Underneath him, then Prime Minister José Socrates and his ministers are shown burning in hell.

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.