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Algarve |
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George Landmann: an unlikely artist
• 21 Nov 2007 •
You’d hardly expect some of the most idealised but accurate paintings of the Algarve to have been completed by a British soldier serving in Portugal during the early 1800s.
The George Landmann’s exhibition - currently on display in Albufeira’s Archaeological Museum until December 2 - contains paintings of Faro, Silves, Portimão, Lagos, Monchique and Aljezur.
In composition they are exceedingly attractive, picturing the tranquil surroundings of beautiful unspoiled countryside, as well as coastal views.
Especially evocative is a seascape showing the entrance to Portimão harbour and a landscape of the mountains of Monchique, including the hot spa springs.
From 1806, during the Peninsula War, Landmann served in Portugal as Commander of the Royal Company of Engineers. During his free time he painted a number of views of Portugal, especially of the Algarve.
He was wounded in 1811 and was forced to return home where three years later he was made a lieutenant colonel.
In due course, Landmann became responsible for the engineering plans of the different railway lines in Britain and was elected a member of the Civil Institute of Engineers, a position he retained until his death in 1854 at the age of 74.
The large numbers of pictures that he painted of Portugal are true historical and artistic documents. They were published originally in 1818 in a book entitled, ‘Historical, Military and Picturesque Observations of Portugal’.
The reproductions that are now on display at the museum were created from the originals and give a picture of the Algarve as seen by a foreigner who visited in the 19th century.
The museum is situated on the cliff top in Albufeira old town; open from 10am until 5pm, closed on Mondays
Entry is free. |  Return to Top
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