Society of Jesus in São Luís of Maranhão: Considerations about painting and carving in Sé Cathedral

Abstract

This study points out the importance of Companhia de Jesus in São Luís do Maranhão, specially regarding the context of the jesuític artistic practices found in Sé’s Cathedral and its preservation. In order to accomplish this task, it’s described the contribution of igatians as from the XVII century in the building of the School and the N.S. da Luz Church and the way until they became the Episcopal Palace and Sé’s Cathedral. The buldings have suffered significative and drastic interventions, specially the ones made for Brazil’s Independence Centenary in 1922. The research shows that only the altarpiece of the XVII century survived so far and proves that, still in the beginning of the XX century, there was a painting made by the jesuits on the lining of the chancel considered “magnificent”, that was, however, destroyed with the numberless reformations of the temple.