PRODUCTS
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Temporary Exhibitions
Há Arte No Giraldo has a Gallery for temporary exhibitions, where, since our inauguration in December 1997, have passed at the rate of one opening a month, a series of exhibitions covering a wide universe of styles and techniques – from acrylic painting on paper or canvass to engraving, serigraphy, ceramic art. For updated information on on-going and coming activities in our Gallery of Temporary Exhibitions, please check the “News” section in our site.
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Ceramic Art
Há Arte No Giraldo has been paying close attention to Portuguese ceramic art, for the depth of the roots of this ancient art, as well as for the constant innovation work carried out by Portuguese handicraftsmen and artists. The visitor can enjoy viewing Há Arte no Giraldo’s permanent display of ceramic art selected throughout the country, which, in our view, represent some of the most interesting work presently carried out in Portugal in the field.
THE BARCELOS ROOSTER: FROM LEGEND TO PORTUGUESE ICON
On the 10th of June, National Day, HÁ ARTE NO GIRALDO inaugurated a ceramic display dedicated to the Barcelos Rooster, homage to one of the most charismatic Portuguese icons.
THE LEGEND OF THE BARCELOS ROOSTER
The Barcelos Rooster is a multi-coloured clay rooster, with head up high, red comb, and a certain look of defiance. Its origin can be traced back to the origins of Portugal, when a stone monument was found in northern Portugal's town of Barcelos, in the Minho region. In this mysterious stone, a hung man is sustained by the Virgin, Saint Paul, the Sun, the Moon and a Dragon on one side, and Christ, a Rooster and Saint James on the other. An old legend explains the images on the stone. Accordingly, in ancient times, Barcelos lived in alarm at a crime practised in those lands by an unknown offender. Who would the criminal be? A pilgrim on the way to Santiago de Compostela became suspect, arrested, tried, and sentenced to be hung. In vain he claimed his innocence. Broken down, he asked for a final grace: “Take me to the presence of those who sentenced me!” The pilgrim was brought to the presence of the judge, and found him in the company of a party of friends, ready to eat a fine baked rooster. He pleaded innocent and, in the face of his judges' scorn and incredulity, cast a challenge: “As certain I am innocent, this rooster will crow thrice when I'm hung.” It was no use. The poor man was taken back to prison and from there to be hung. The rooster remained untouched, though, as no one dared to eat it. When night fell, at everyone's awe, the rooster's body covered itself with new feathers, and the rooster rose up, stretched its wings, and crowed energetically ... three times! The judges rushed out to the gallows, to find the poor man with the rope around his neck. He then was released and sent off in peace. Years later, the pilgrim came back to Barcelos and had the monument built in honour of the Virgin and Saint James.
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WINERY AND GOURMET PRODUCTS
Há Arte No Giraldo has a Gourmet section with a winery of alentejan wines and a selection of Portuguese gourmet products. In addition to our enjoyment of the pleasures of the table, this represents a tribute to the timeless art of the creation of flavours, with a particular emphasis upon alentejan-origin ones.
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