Jorge Afonso facts for kids
Jorge Afonso (born around 1470, died 1540) was a very important Portuguese painter. He lived during the Renaissance period. This was a time of great new ideas in art and learning.
Jorge Afonso became the official painter for the King of Portugal. King Manuel I chose him in 1508. Later, King John III also kept him as royal painter in 1529. He mostly worked in Lisbon, the capital city. He had a busy art studio there. Many young Portuguese painters learned from him. Some of his famous students were Cristóvão de Figueiredo, Garcia Fernandes, and Gregório Lopes.
Major Artworks and Royal Commissions
Jorge Afonso created many important paintings. Some of his biggest projects were large altarpieces. These are big artworks placed behind the altar in churches.
Works for Queen Leonor
Queen Leonor was a very important person who supported Jorge Afonso's art. She was the wife of King John II and sister of King Manuel I.
- Madre de Deus Altarpiece: Around 1515, Jorge Afonso painted the main altarpiece for the Convent of Madre de Deus in Lisbon. This amazing artwork is now in the National Museum of Ancient Art in Lisbon.
- Monastery of Jesus Altarpiece: Between 1520 and 1530, he painted 14 panels for the main altarpiece of the Monastery of Jesus in Setúbal. Queen Leonor also paid for this project. You can see these panels in the monastery's museum.
Other Important Projects
Jorge Afonso's art studio also helped decorate other famous places. In the 1530s, his workshop worked on the walls of the Round Church. This church is part of the Convent of Christ in Tomar.
