Vieira Lusitano

Vieira Lusitano
Copy of a lost c. 1774 self-portrait, by Joaquim Manuel da Rocha
Born	Francisco de Matos Vieira 4 October 1699 Lisbon, Kingdom of Portugal
Died	13 August 1783(1783-08-13) (aged 83) Lisbon, Kingdom of Portugal
Nationality	Portuguese
Occupation	Court painter, illustrator and engraver

Francisco de Matos Vieira, better known as Vieira Lusitano (4 October 1699 in Lisbon – 13 August 1783 in Lisbon) was a Portuguese court painter, illustrator and engraver.

His father was a maker of socks and stockings. He was originally meant to pursue an ecclesiastical career, but when he displayed an aptitude for art, his parents changed their plans. Word of his talents reached Carnide, where some gentlemen who operated a literary academy asked to meet him. During his presentation to them, he met a girl named Inês Helena de Lima e Melo, who would become his lifelong passion.

Meanwhile, he had begun his studies, probably with André Gonçalves. His work came to the attention of Don Rodrigo Anes de Sá Almeida e Meneses (1676-1733), the Marquis of Abrantes, who had recently been appointed Ambassador to Rome. The Marquis offered to take Vieira with him, so he could continue his studies there, and his family accepted the offer.

Once there, aged only thirteen, he was apprenticed to Benedetto Luti, who immediately set him to studying and copying the frescoes in the Farnese Gallery. Meanwhile, the Marquis directed him to paint religious ceremonies, ornaments at the Basilica of Saint Peter, fixtures at the Portuguese Embassy and even the Marquis' own carriage. When it came time for the Marquis to return home, he wanted to take Vieira with him, but relented when Vieira begged to remain. He was allowed to stay for two more years and studied with Francesco Trevisani.

Returning home after seven years, he was commissioned by King John V to paint a large "Blessed Sacrament" for the Corpus Christi procession. His relationship with Inês was not going well, however, as her parents felt that he was of inferior social status and would not consent to their marriage. Despite this, they arranged a marriage by proxy. When her parents found out, they took her to a convent and forced her to take vows. Vieira tried to gain her release but, failing that, decided to appeal to the Pope himself. He remained in Rome for five years, pressing his petitions and continuing to paint.