Place: Porto
Born: 1889
Death: 1923
Biography:
, a Portuguese painter, illustrator, sculptor, and decorator, left an indelible mark on the art world with his versatile talents. Born on May 26, 1889, in Porto, Portugal, and passing away in 1923 in Minho Province, De Basto's life was a testament to his passion for the arts.
De Basto attended the Escola Superior de Belas-Artes do Porto from 1903 to 1910, where he had the privilege of studying under the tutelage of José de Brito and João Marques de Oliveira. This foundational period in his life was further enriched by being awarded the Prémio Soares dos Reis, a honor bestowed in recognition of the sculptor António Soares dos Reis.
In 1910, De Basto ventured to Paris, a city teeming with artistic innovation. Here, he came under the influence of Édouard Manet and Amedeo Modigliani, further broadening his artistic horizons. His participation in the Salon des Humoristes at the Palais de Glaces marked a significant milestone in his career.
De Basto's collaborative spirit led to the co-creation of the magazine Génio Latino, alongside Aquilino Ribeiro and Tomás Leal da Câmara, featuring contributors like Manuel Jardim and Anjos Teixeira. His admiration for caricaturists Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro and Celso Hermínio led to his participation in the Exposições de Humoristas e Modernistas, a pivotal event promoting modern art.
De Basto's untimely passing in 1923, due to tuberculosis, did not diminish the impact of his artistic legacy. Today, his works can be found in various museums, including those mentioned above, a testament to his enduring influence on the art world.