The bakers, a market in Figueiró 1898

José Malhoa painted this oil on canvas titled 'The bakers, a market in Figueiró', though the exact date is unknown, it likely dates from the late 19th or early 20th century. Malhoa's artistic output often depicted scenes of Portuguese life and tradition. This particular piece is interesting as it captures a bustling market scene, focusing on the vendors and their wares. The choice of subject matter reflects a broader European trend at the time, where artists turned to depictions of everyday life as a source of inspiration, however we cannot ignore the romanticising of the traditional Portuguese rural life. It presents a specific vision of national identity. The painting is alive with details – from the produce on display to the people who animate the scene. The artist's biography and other period documents can give us further understanding into the cultural and institutional context that shaped its production.