The Palácio e Quinta da Bacalhôa and its majolica tiles

Abstract

This essay provides an overview of the architecture of the Bacalhôa palace and estate, and of some of its ceramic panels and linings. The estate comprises a varied range of tiles but the research project encompassing the present study focuses exclusively on the 16th century majolica type. Consequently, this article will make only sporadic or indirect references to Hispano-Moresque tiles. The project also included iconographic interpretations of certain significant azulejo panels and patterned tiles but these will be included in future papers specifically dedicated to those particular parts of the majolica tile linings, rather than as an integral aspect of the present study. Accordingly, this essay only includes iconographic details of groups of tiles that will not be examined in subsequent articles. This applies to the tiles of the Lake Wall and in the Vineyard Chapels.