THE MORELLI METHOD IN THE FORMAL AND ATTRIBUTIVE ANALYSIS OF DEVOTIONAL SCULPTURES

Abstract

This article deals with how the method created by the physician and art historian, Giovanni Morelli, was used in the formal and attributive analysis of the works of the artist Antônio Pereira dos Santos, the Master of Sabará, an artist from Minas Gerais identified during the preparation of the National Inventory of Movable and Integrated Goods by the former National Historical and Artistic Heritage Service, in 1986 and 1987. One of the objectives of the research was to deepen the methodology of formal analysis of devotional sculptures, using the “Morellian” method as a basis. In addition, flowcharts were developed for each stage to guide, in a didactic way, the study of the anatomical details of the works listed. The analysis process was carried out through a comparative study between the most significant formal anatomical elements of the works, identifying similarities and defining the main styles. As a result, it is possible to confirm, refute or establish new attributions to the master and his workshop. We consider that, when carrying out attributions, formal analysis is a tool in an interdisciplinary process in which historical analysis of the collection and its context, iconography and examinations of materials and techniques are essential.