Bernardo Marques developed a distinctive style, marked by a synthetic and nervous line, where the use of Indian ink stood out. His works convey a feeling of contemplation and introspection, as if the artist were exploring not only the visual appearance of the landscape, but also its essence, the emotions it evokes.
It is important to note that, despite having participated in group exhibitions throughout his career, Bernardo Marques has never held a solo exhibition in his life. His discreet approach to his own work contributed to the fact that only after his death was it possible to assess his true dimension as an artist.
Bernardo Marques' influence on Portuguese art is undeniable, especially in the field of illustration and drawing. His ability to adapt different styles and techniques throughout his career shows his versatility and his constant search for the most authentic artistic expression.
His legacy endures through his works, which continue to be appreciated and studied, and his contribution to the renewal of the arts in Portugal in the first decades of the 20th century. Bernardo Marques is a notable figure from the second generation of Portuguese modernist painters, whose work continues to inspire and enrich the country's artistic panorama.
What is Bernardo Marques' artistic career?
Early Career and Humorous Drawing (1920s): Bernardo Marques began his artistic career with humorous drawing. He began publishing caricatures and humorous drawings in magazines such as ABC and Ilustração Portuguesa. At this stage, his work was characterized by an expressive and decorative graphic style.
Berlin (1929): In 1929, Bernardo Marques was in Berlin, where he came into contact with German expressionism. This experience had a profound impact on his way of thinking about drawing, influencing both his themes and his artistic style.
Development of Expressionism (1930s): After his stay in Berlin, Bernardo Marques adopted a more critical and social approach to his work. His drawings began to reflect a more critical view of urban society, with more violent and expressionist features. He also began to explore themes related to cinema and the urban world.
International Travel (1930s): Bernardo Marques took trips to cities such as Paris, New York and San Francisco, which fueled his creativity and influenced his art in a unique way.
Activity in the SPN (National Union of Writers, Journalists and Artists) (1940s): During the 1940s, Bernardo Marques worked as an illustrator, advertiser and decorator. He also graphically directed several magazines, such as Panorama and Litoral, and participated in the decoration of pavilions at international exhibitions.
Return to Drawing (1950s): In the 1950s, Bernardo Marques returned to drawing as an autonomous and intimate activity. At this stage, he focused mainly on analyzing the landscape, both urban and rural, adopting a more romantic and nostalgic approach.
Recognition and Exhibitions (1950s and 1960s): Bernardo Marques received prizes for drawing and watercolor at the 1st Visual Arts Exhibition of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in 1957. His work was subsequently presented in several solo and posthumous exhibitions, consolidating his recognition as an artist.
Legacy and Post-Death: After his death in 1962, Bernardo Marques' work continued to be exhibited in solo exhibitions and his influence on contemporary Portuguese art has endured.
What are the characteristics of Bernardo Marques' works?
Expressionism: Bernardo Marques was influenced by German Expressionism, especially in its intermediate phase. His drawings at that time are marked by expressive lines, distorted shapes and an emotional and intense approach to the representation of reality.
Critical Approach: At various stages of his career, Bernardo Marques adopted a critical approach to contemporary society and culture. He often used his art to comment on social, political and cultural issues, creating drawings that had a component of satire and social criticism.
Thematic Diversity: Throughout his life, Bernardo Marques explored a wide variety of themes in his art. He addressed urban and rural issues, portrayed landscapes, human figures, everyday scenes, themes linked to cinema and much more. His ability to adapt to different themes is a notable characteristic of his work.
Mixing Techniques: Bernardo Marques experimented with various artistic techniques throughout his career, including charcoal drawing, watercolor, lithography and others. His technical versatility is evident in his works, where he often chose the most appropriate technique for the theme he was exploring.
International Influences: His international travels, especially his time in Berlin, had a significant impact on his artistic style and outlook. He absorbed influences from foreign artistic movements, such as expressionism, and incorporated them into his own art.
Late Romantic Phase: In the last phase of his career, Bernardo Marques returned to a more romantic approach, focusing on landscape, both urban and rural. His works from this time are often characterized by a nostalgic sensibility and an appreciation for nature and the beauty of the world around him.
Decoration and Illustration: In addition to his autonomous works, Bernardo Marques also worked as an illustrator and decorator. He contributed to the decoration of pavilions at international exhibitions and produced illustrations for several publications, demonstrating his versatility as an artist.
What is Bernardo Marques' legacy in Portuguese art?
Introduction of Expressionism: Bernardo Marques was one of the pioneers of artistic expression in Portugal. His work was fundamental in the introduction of expressionism into the country's artistic scene. He brought an emotional and subjective approach to art, influencing other artists to explore the expression of feelings and emotions in their works.
Technical Innovation: Bernardo Marques was known for his technical innovation, experimenting with various painting techniques, such as oil on canvas, watercolor and woodcut. His constant search for new forms of artistic expression paved the way for other artists to explore new methods and materials.
Representation of Portuguese Culture: His works often portrayed scenes and elements of Portuguese culture, helping to preserve and promote the country's cultural identity through art.
Influence on the Next Generation: Bernardo Marques' work influenced a subsequent generation of artists in Portugal, who were inspired by his innovative approach and the freedom of expression he championed. His expressive style left a lasting mark on contemporary art in Portugal.
International Exhibition: Bernardo Marques also had opportunities to exhibit his work internationally, which helped to promote Portuguese art on the international scene and establish connections with other artists and artistic movements around the world.
Bernardo Marques left an important legacy in Portuguese art, being one of the pioneers of expressionism in Portugal and influencing subsequent generations of artists. His innovative approach and representation of Portuguese culture continue to be valued in the country's art history.
