The Dreamlike Dimensions of Brennand Art
Francisco the Artist and Ricardo the Collector – An Important Legacy
The cousins Francisco and Ricardo Brennand left behind a significant artistic legacy of international standing. Francisco developed into an artist, Ricardo became a passionate collector. They
were both born in 1927 and impress with their genius and eccentricity.
Francisco Brennand is considered one of the most important Brazilian sculptors, painters, designers and ceramicists. During his studies in France, he was influenced by Picasso, Miró and
Gaudí.
The Ricardo Brennand Institute always appears on the lists of the best museums in Brazil and South America. The collection is impressive. Nevertheless, it is still unknown to many Brazilians. In
the palace park there is one of only five original copies of Michelangelo's "David", as well as well-known sculptures such as "The Thinker" by Rodin and "Lady with Horse" by Botero.
The impressive dimensions and offerings of the Ricardo Brennand Institute
The Ricardo Brennand Institute is a Gothic castle and has twice won the award for best museum in Brazil. It is ranked 19th among the world's best museums - even ahead of the more famous "Pinacoteca" in São Paulo and "Inhotim" in Minas Gerais.
The weapons collection is one of the largest private collections in the world. It shows weapons and armor from different eras and countries. The castle also houses an art gallery, a real highlight. The modernity is just as impressive as the high-quality exhibitions with works from home and abroad. The collector's interest in art and culture is reflected in the library, which mainly contains books on architecture, history and art.
A journey through the collector's visions and dreams
Ricardo had no small dreams. When he was seven years old, Ricardo received a pocket knife from his uncle, who was also called Ricardo Brennand. This event turned little Ricardo into a collector of cutting and stabbing weapons. Weapons that develop their effectiveness through muscle power in a man-to-man fight.
It didn’t stay that way! Ricardo sold
part of his fortune, built a castle in the Gothic style and founded the Ricardo Brennand Institute. Here visitors will find a
cultural center, an art gallery, the weapons collection and a library. The
castle gardens impress with a sculpture park and a chapel where glamorous Recife society weddings take place - it's a dream for anyone to get married here!
The Instituto Ricardo Brennand is located near another great cultural center: the Francisco Brennand Ceramics Workshop.
It is worth combining a visit to both places.
Francisco Brennand and the influences of Picasso, Miró and Gaudí
Francisco Brennand was passionate about literature and painting. During his studies in France, he encountered the works of Picasso, Miró and Gaudí. This sparked his passion for clay. His father's
old brickworks on the outskirts of Recife came in handy.
He created a paradise out of the dilapidated brick factory on the outskirts of Recife. A park full of sculptures now surrounds the renovated old brickworks buildings. Francisco turned it into an
enchanted place: with hundreds of sculptures, avenues of clay birds, fountains and bodies of water.
One thing is certain! Both Francisco's
Oficina and Ricardo's Instituto leave a lasting impression!
Francisco and Ricardo Brennand and their unique institutions
In the old brickworks, the Oficina Francisco Brennand shows changing exhibitions on various themes.
The sculpture park is located in the middle of well-kept gardens, flanked by forests and the Capibaribe River.
Botero is the most renowned artist in Latin America. The "Instituto Brennand" shows his work "Lady with Horse".
The weapons collection is a journey through history, with weapons from Europe, Asia, America and Africa.