Who painted Paisagem (Da Série Mata)?

Paisagem (Da Série Mata) was painted by Benedito Calixto.

Where can I see Paisagem (Da Série Mata)?

Paisagem (Da Série Mata) is held by São Paulo Museum of Art.

What movement is Paisagem (Da Série Mata)?

Paisagem (Da Série Mata) is associated with Contemporary Realism.

Can I buy a print of Paisagem (Da Série Mata)?

Museum-quality prints of Paisagem (Da Série Mata) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Paisagem (Da Série Mata)

Benedito Calixto

Paisagem (Da Série Mata) is an oil painting by the Contemporary Realist artist Benedito Calixto. It is held in the collection of the São Paulo Museum of Art. Created circa 1950, this oil on canvas presents a tranquil Brazilian woodland scene.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1950, this oil on canvas presents a tranquil Brazilian woodland scene. A narrow earthen track winds through a stand of trees and underbrush, opening toward distant mountains beneath a cloud‑filled sky. The composition conveys a quiet, contemplative atmosphere, emphasizing the subtle interplay of light and shadow across the landscape.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts a rural passageway framed by native vegetation, suggesting a journey through Brazil’s interior. By focusing on an unpopulated, natural setting, the artist invites reflection on the country’s ecological character rather than its urban or historical narratives, highlighting the serene beauty of the forested terrain.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil, the painting features discernible brushwork that adds surface texture and depth. A restrained palette of muted greens, earth tones, and grays reinforces the subdued mood. The handling of light follows a chiaroscuro approach, modeling forms through contrasts of illumination and shadow typical of contemporary realism.

History & Provenance

The piece belongs to the oeuvre of Benedito Calixto, a Brazilian painter active from the late 1800s into the mid‑20th century, known for realistic depictions of national subjects. It entered the collection of the São Paulo Museum of Art, where it remains part of the museum’s permanent holdings.

Context

Calixto’s career was marked by commissions from private patrons rather than governmental bodies, allowing him to explore a range of themes from coastal life to historical episodes. This landscape aligns with his later period, when he turned attention to the interior’s natural scenery, reflecting broader trends in Brazilian realism during the post‑war era.