The discourse on utility: art theory in eighteenth-century Portugal

Abstract

This article examines the production of art theory in Portugal from the mid-eighteenth century onwards, in order to demonstrate the dominant theoretical strands centering around the utility of drawing and the arts, their practical applicability in various commercial sectors, and their importance in the contribution towards the enhancement of the nation’s industry and manufactures. It also proposes to show how these features constituted a hegemonic feature both of artistic education and theoretical discourse, and that the insistence on usefulness was intimately linked to priorities and concerns of contemporary Portuguese society. These ultimately shaped the active reception of theories and styles from various geographic areas, with a durable link to British artistic theory and notions of public utility of the arts.

Keywords

• Portuguese artistic theory
• utility of drawing
• artistic education
• arts and commerce