O Luar (The Moonlight)
Painting on canvas • Tarsila do Amaral
Style & Movement
Brazilian Modernism / Anthropophagic Movement (Antropofagia)
Medium & Technique
Oil painting on canvas; smooth application of paint with localized blending to create soft gradients and simplified spherical forms.
Creation Period
1928
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 73 x 73 cm; square format presented in a dark wood frame.
Subject Description
A dreamlike night landscape featuring a stylized crescent moon set against dark, undulating clouds. In the foreground, a simplified, anthropomorphic cactus figure stands on a green hill marked by a pale blue arc-like path. The composition emphasizes organic geometry and surreal stillness.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the surface appears stable with minimal visible aging and vibrant color saturation.
Estimated Market Value
$10,000,000 - $20,000,000 USD (Estimated based on the rarity and historical importance of the artist's Anthropophagic period).
Auction Estimate
$12,000,000 - $18,000,000 USD
Provenance History
Formerly in the collection of the artist; various private and museum collections in Brazil; currently part of the collection at MoMA (Museum of Modern Art, New York).
Art Historical Significance
A foundational work of Brazilian Modernism. Created during the peak of the 'Anthropophagy' movement, it seeks to 'digest' European avant-garde styles (like Surrealism and Cubism) to create a distinctly Brazilian aesthetic rooted in local folklore and landscape.
Notable Features
The 'Abaporu'-style cactus figure and the high-contrast color palette of deep blue and vibrant yellow/green are hallmarks of Amaral’s most celebrated period.
Condition Issues
No major localized damage visible; minor surface dust or micro-cracking consistent with age may exist but is not visible to the naked eye under gallery lighting.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain strictly controlled humidity (50% RH) and temperature. Use UV-filtering glass and low-intensity LED lighting to prevent pigment degradation.