Library, Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading (1837)*

Artist/Designer: Rafael da Silva

Project Location: Unknown

Figure 1: The Royal Portuguese Reading Room. Source: Daniel Schwabe, Real Gabinete Português de Leitura. 2007, Digital Image. ( Source | Accessed : March 7, 2014 )

Figure 2: The Royal Portuguese Reading Room. Source: Marcelo Nainovic, Real Gabinete Português de Leitura. 2013, Digital Image. ( Source | Accessed : March 7, 2014 )

Figure 3: The Royal Portuguese Reading Room. Source: Mathieu Bertrand Struck, Real Gabinete Português de Leitura. 2011, Digital Image. ( Source | Accessed : March 7, 2014 )

Figure 4: The Royal Portuguese Reading Room. Source: Mira Isabella Photography, Real Gabinete Português de Leitura. 2011, Digital Image. ( Source | Accessed : March 7, 2014 )

Figure 5: The Royal Portuguese Reading Room. Source: Mira Isabella Photography, Real Gabinete Português de Leitura. 2011, Digital Image. ( Source | Accessed : March 7, 2014 )

Style/Period(s):
Gothic Revival

Primary Material(s):
Glass, Wood

Function(s):
Library

Related Website(s):

http://www.realgabinete.com.br/portalWeb/

Significant Date(s):
19th Century

Additional Information:
Title(s): Real Gabinete Português de Leitura. Designer/Architect: Rafael da Silva. Interior painted in 1876–77. Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Constructed between 1880 and 1887, the Royal Portuguese Reading Room houses approximately 350,000 volumes on its shelves distributed across four stories. The interior is a stunning example of Neo-Manueline, the Portuguese Gothic revival style based on the artistic style developed under the rule of Manuel I of Portugal (1495-1521). Complete with ornamental doors, wooden shelves, paintings, a central chandelier and an iron skylight structure this library celebrates the Portuguese era of discovery and human knowledge .

Further Reading:
Bessone, Tânia, and Monique de Siqueira Gonçalves. 2016. "The Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading: A Space for Medical Science in The 19th Century". Almanack 14 (2016): 241-286.

Souza, Jesse and Valter Sinder. Imagining Brazil. Lanham: Lexington Books, 2007.

Valdes, Mario J. and Djelal Kadir. Literary Cultures of Latin America: A Comparative History, Vol.2 Institutional Modes and Cultural Modalities. New York: Oxford University Press, 2004.

Additional Information

Building Address
R. Luís de Camões, 30 - Centro, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20051-020, Brazil

Supporting Designers/Staff

Significant Dates:

Established May 14th 1837

Associated Projects:
Inspired by Jerónimos Monastery, Lisbon, Portgual

Tags
Brazil, Neomanuelien style, Gothic Revival, Portuguese Colonial,

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