Artwork
Passeio Público
Passeio Público is an oil painting by Artur Timóteo da Costa. It dates from 1919 and is held in the collection of the Pinacoteca de São Paulo.
About this work
Overview
Artur Timóteo da Costa’s 1919 oil on canvas, titled “Passeio Público,” presents a calm outdoor scene. A modest bridge with ornamental railings arches over a shallow pool, while a solitary lamppost stands to its right. Lush vegetation in varying greens and yellows frames the composition, all set beneath an open blue sky.
Subject & Meaning
The work captures a leisurely promenade, emphasizing the harmony between built elements and nature. The bridge and lamppost suggest a public walkway, inviting viewers to imagine a quiet stroll through a landscaped park. The tranquil atmosphere reflects early‑20th‑century Brazilian interest in urban green spaces as places of relaxation and civic pride.
Technique & Style
Da Costa employs oil paint to achieve a layered surface, allowing subtle shifts in hue and light. Brushwork varies from smooth washes in the sky to more textured strokes in the foliage, creating depth. The palette of cool blues and warm earth tones balances realism with a gentle, almost lyrical interpretation of the landscape.
History & Provenance
Created in 1919, the painting entered the collection of the Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s commitment to preserving works by prominent Brazilian modernists and documenting the evolution of landscape painting in the country.
Artist & collection
Artist
Artur Timóteo da Costa (1882–1923) was an artist, born in Rio de Janeiro.
