COSTA LUCIO: (1902-1998) Brazilian architect and urban planner. Two fine original black pen ...

COSTA LUCIO: (1902-1998) Brazilian architect and urban planner. Two fine original black pen, ink and coloured pencil drawings by Costa, both signed with his initials (‘LC’), each one page, 4to, n.p. (Ouro Preto), n.d., on the printed stationery of the Ministerio da Educacao e Cultura. Costa has carefully executed two detailed drawings of the columns and decorative features within the Rococo Catholic Church of Saint Francis of Assisi in Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The drawings are numbered 1 and 2 by Costa, further annotating them Minas (Bresil) and with the dates 1730-50 and 1770-90 in his hand. An excellent and attractive pair of studies by Costa. A couple of very minor, light stains, a few creases and one small area of paper loss to the upper right corner of the second sheet, otherwise VG, 2

The Church of Saint Francis of Assisi was designed by the Brazilian architect and sculptor Antonio Francisco Lisboa (Aleijadinho) and its erection commenced in 1766. Lisboa was responsible for both the structure of the church and the ornately carved decorations of the interior, which were only completed towards the end of the 19^th century. The interior is lavishly decorated with golden woodwork, statues and paintings, some of which are represented in Costa’s drawings. Owing to its architecture and historical significance, the church is classified on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is also one of the Seven Wonders of Portuguese Origin in the World.