(...)
I continued strolling around the premises and into the various galeries on the upper floor of this magnificent eighteenth century palace, which once belonged to a rich Northern family and was later bought by the crown to house the collections which now pertain to the Museum of Soares dos Reis.
At the top of the staircase leading to the first floor stood a rather exquisite metal sculpture of a horse, which according to the information provided is named The presence of History - 2007.
The decorative porcelain and china tableware gallery was quite interesting particularly in regards to the designs on some of the plates. Two in particular caught my attention. The fat figures on them apparently depict two well known siblings (Mateu and Ana) who were often exhibited at fairs in 1842, as some sort of "attraction" (but who would want to have these on their plates, I wonder ! ... ).
The Virgin with the Child - 17th century faïence sculpture(right)
The Oriental Art gallery was also particularly interesting with all of the intricate pieces of furniture on display, as well as the Namban painted screens. Textiles were equally worth noting and so were the instruments and artefacts in the Music gallery.
Japanese Namban screen - Momoyama period (1600-1610)
Tapestry from Beauvais, France depicting Vasco da Gama's return from India - 18th century wool and silk (one of a set of three).
The flute player - polychromous wooden sculpture - 18th century.
As I walked down I took a last look at the metal horse, which was definitely eye catching.
(To be continued)
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