National Museum of Ancient Art

The National Museum of Ancient Art, located in Lisbon, is one of the most important museums in Portugal and a treasure trove of European and Portuguese art. Founded in 1884, the museum is housed in the Palácio de Alvor-Pombal, an elegant 17th-century palace that, with its splendid gardens and views of the Tagus River, provides a perfect setting for a collection of such importance. The origins of the museum date back to the need to preserve and enhance Portuguese artistic heritage. Its collection has grown over time through acquisitions, donations, and bequests, gathering masterpieces that span from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. The permanent collection is divided into various sections including painting, sculpture, decorative arts, and drawings, each of which tells a significant part of art history. Among the most famous pieces in the museum’s collection is Hieronymus Bosch’s “Temptation of St. Anthony Triptych.” This extraordinary work, created in the 15th century, is a perfect example of the fantastic and unsettling imagery of the Dutch artist. The triptych, with its complex scenes of temptations and hellish visions, continues to awe and amaze visitors, offering a fascinating glimpse into the religious iconography and moral allegory of the time. Another notable work is Hans Holbein the Younger’s “Madonna and Child.” Known for its precision and attention to detail, this painting represents one of the highest points of the German Renaissance and showcases the painter’s skill in portraying the sacredness and humanity of religious subjects. The delicate expressions and realistic rendering of the figures make this painting a must-see masterpiece. The museum’s collection also boasts a significant series of works from the Portuguese school. Among these are the paintings of Nuno Gonçalves, author of the famous “Polyptych of Saint Vincent,” considered one of the masterpieces of Portuguese painting from the 15th century. The scenes depicted in the polyptych offer a valuable testimony of medieval Portuguese life and society, highlighting the technical mastery and psychological depth of the portrayed characters. The museum is also renowned for its rich collection of decorative arts, including furniture, ceramics, silverware, and tapestries. A particularly significant example is the collection of 16th-century Flemish tapestries, which depict historical and mythological episodes with extraordinary detail and a vivid color palette. Originally commissioned to decorate noble palaces, these tapestries are now carefully preserved and serve as a testament to the high artistic and technical quality achieved at that time. The silver collection is another gem of the museum, with pieces ranging from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. Among these are works by Portuguese and foreign silversmith masters, demonstrating the high quality of Portuguese goldsmith art and the influence of international contacts. The “Cruz de D. Sancho I,” a 12th-century processional cross, is one of the oldest and most precious examples in the collection, representing a true masterpiece of medieval goldsmithing. An interesting anecdote concerns a specific work in the museum: Albrecht Dürer’s “St. Jerome in His Study.” This painting, created in 1521, was acquired by the museum in 1912 thanks to a popular fundraising campaign. The purchase of this work generated great enthusiasm among the public and helped to consolidate the museum’s prestige as a culturally significant institution. The sculpture section of the museum includes works ranging from classical antiquity to the Baroque period. Among these, Renaissance polychrome wooden sculptures hold a prominent place, with works like Gil Eanes’ “Madonna and Child” reflecting the religious devotion and technical mastery of the artists of the time. Located on Rua das Janelas Verdes, the National Museum of Ancient Art is easily accessible by public transport and is a must-visit for those exploring Lisbon. Its privileged location near the Tagus River and the architectural beauty of the palace that houses it add further charm to this extraordinary museum.