View of Sintra with what is now the National Palace in the background

Art Historical Context

In 1840, artists Manuel Luis and Clementine Brelaz captured the enchanting vista of Sintra, Portugal in this delicate lithograph titled *View of Sintra with is now the National Palace the background*. Nestled in the lush hills northwest of Lisbon, Sintra was already a haven for Romantic travelers, its fairy-tale palaces and misty landscapes evoking mystery and grandeur. The composition foregrounds the town's picturesque rooftops and foliage, with the iconic Palácio Nacional de Sintra elegantly in the distance—a royal residence dating back to the 14th century, blending Moorish and Manueline architecture. This print exemplifies mid-19th-century lithography, a revolutionary technique invented around 1798 that allowed for nuanced tonal effects mimicking drawings. Printed on delicate chine collé—a thin Chinese paper adhered to a sturdy support sheet (measuring 13¼ × 20⅞ inches overall)—it preserves fine details while preventing fragility during handling. Popular for affordable art dissemination, such works fueled Europe's growing fascination with exotic locales amid the Romantic era's emphasis on nature's sublime beauty. Acquired by The Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2020 through the Friends of Drawings and Prints, this piece offers a window into Sintra's timeless allure, bridging Portuguese heritage with international printmaking innovation. Visitors will appreciate its subtle artistry, evoking the wanderlust of 1840s grand tours.

About the Artist

Manuel Luis|Clementine de Brelaz (Portuguese|Portuguese) · 1840 |1811 – |1892

Portuguese, active, ca. 1840|Portuguese, 1811–1892