OIC 10 – 12.03.2026

Session leader: Cláudia Costa Pires, CITCEM (Material and Intangible Heritage). Science ID 6C19-15EA-5F23

Title/General theme of the session: Metal Arts in Portugal. New perspectives.

Session Summary: In view of the growing interest in the study of the Decorative Arts, this session aims to present and debate innovative research, which demonstrates a new line of comprehensive investigation into the materials, techniques, images and functions of the metal arts in Portugal. The studies are characterized by the analysis of objects complemented by documentary and iconographic research. This methodology helps to understand the production and use of these arts at various times and contributes to a better understanding of the pieces that survive in museums, on site and in private collections. The ancient metal arts encompass a wide variety of objects associated with diverse contexts. These can be made of noble metals such as gold or silver, bronze, as well as tin, copper and brass. Metalwork incorporates different techniques in the creation and execution of its forms, shared with some variations by all metals. Other techniques can be used to decorate it, such as nielo, enamels or damasks. The most sumptuous pieces can also incorporate other materials, such as gems and exotic materials. Metal objects are present in civil, liturgical, devotional and processional contexts and have different functions that suit the societies that produce and use them and the places for which they are intended. Precious metal pieces are a treasure, so they are gifts and heirlooms. Because of their monetary value, they can be merged to create new works, pawned or sold. Studies of the art of metals, goldsmithing, silverware and jewelry have been explored in Portugal and abroad by several leading authors. In the context of the Department of Heritage Sciences and Techniques of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities of the University of Porto, this theme has been explored in depth in various projects developed in the context of Master’s and PhD degrees.

Name of the speakers and their paper titles:

Elisa Frias-Bulhosa – Metal after a journey: the role of Art History

Cláudia Costa Pires – Portuguese salves from the 15th and 16th centuries. A journey of materials, shapes, images and ornaments

José Eduardo Pereira Araújo – The Reliquary of the Holy Wood in the Context of the Bishopric of Porto – Nuances of Modern Times

Sofia Paiva – Sports jewelry in Portugal

Moderators-commentators of the session:

Proposed by the applicant:

Ana Cristina Correia de Sousa, FLUP (Science ID 9017-4C21-70D1)

Appointed by the CITCEM Executive Committee:

Ana Mena, FBAUL (Science ID113-1DB0-3418)