| Chafariz d’El-Rey | |
| Other Language 1: | English |
| Other Title 1: | The King's Fountain |
| Subject: | Chafariz d’El-Rey |
| Year: | 1570, perhaps continuing until 1580 |
| City: | Azeitão |
| Museum: | Pálacio da Bacalhôa |
The King's Fountain (Portuguese: Chafariz d'El-Rey) is a 16th century oil painting by an anonymous Flemish painter. The work depicts a scene in front of the Chafariz de El-Rei (English: The King's Fountain) in Lisbon, Portugal.[1] [2]
The King's Fountain depicts a scene set around the Chafariz de El-Rei in Lisbon, the capital of the-then Kingdom of Portugal. Painted during the late 16th century, the work features images associated with the wealth and power of the burgeoning Portuguese Empire; trade goods from Japan, Goa, and various African kingdoms are seen, as are African slaves and free Africans. Portuguese Jewish[3] constables can be seen detaining a thief or drunk, and the painting notably contains a depiction of an African knight endowed with the heraldry of the Order of Santiago, sometimes identified as João de Sá Panasco. More domestically-minded work can be seen, such as boatmen unloading grain and attending to passengers, while jugglers and vendors can be seen mingling with the crowd. Several animals are also present.[4]
The wide variety of figures seen in the painting led to the work being described as being an example of globalization in the Renaissance period.[5] The painting currently is on display at the Pálacio da Bacalhôa in Azeitão, Portugal.