Abstract
The central focus is on Black women and men engaged in daily activities. The composition depicts a group in the foreground, featuring individuals carrying bundles and engaged in various tasks. The meticulous detailing includes elements like a ram, oxen, agave plants, and a horse, creating a rich tapestry of rural life. The background reveals a wedding procession heading towards the church, emphasizing community and cultural traditions. The artist skillfully weaves together human activity and the surrounding landscape, making the artwork a nuanced exploration of both body and territory in the context of daily life and cultural rituals.
Composition in ochre, red, earthy tones, grays, white, yellow, blue, green, and black. Subdued tones, rough and smooth texture. Depiction of a work scene featuring Black women and men in Brodowski square with the church of Santo Antônio and houses in the background. In the foreground, to the left of the center, a group consists of two women and a man. The woman on the far left is almost profiled to the right, with a bundle on her head, sleeveless dress, knee-high, and barefoot. In the center of the group, a man with his back turned, almost 3/4 to the right, legs apart, suggesting a walking movement, facing a woman in the front, 3/4 to the right, with a bundle of firewood on her head, semi-covered face with no facial features depicted. Near them to the left, a ram facing to the right. On the ground, agave plant, chest, and animal skull. To the right, two lying oxen. In the background, three women to the left seen in perspective, with bundles on their heads, seemingly walking towards a cohesive group suggesting a bridal couple and wedding procession. To the right, three women with bundles on their heads walking towards the group in the third plane to the left of the center. On the ground, agave plant and scattered small bushes. To the right, a wooden fence and a horse running to the left ridden by a rider dressed in white. In the third plane, a procession heading towards the church of Santo Antônio, trees, and houses. In the background, vegetation, two houses, open field, and a grayish-blue sky.
Citation
Portinari, Cândido. 1940. 'Paisagem de Brodowski [Landscape of Brodowski]'. Dispossessions in the Americas. https://staging.dia.upenn.edu/en/art/ABRA008/

