ernesto do canto faria e maia, known as ernesto canto da maia, was a portuguese sculptor born in ponta delgada, portugal, in 1890. he died in the same city in 1981. canto da maia was a prominent figure in the first generation of portuguese modernist artists.
early life and career
ernesto do canto faria e maia began his artistic career at a young age, studying sculpture and painting. he was known for his sensitive work and his career was divided between the azores, lisbon, and paris. canto da maia participated successfully in the artistic life of the period between the two world wars, a time when the art deco movement was popular.artistic style and notable works
in the 1930s, ernesto do canto faria e maia's work took a different direction as he began to receive national commissions for the estado novo regime's celebratory programs. he produced large-scale sculptures that were exemplary of the regime's heroic history. some of his notable works include the chosen ones, series of 12, which is now part of the graça morais goih collection at the centro de arte moderna gulbenkian in lisbon, portugal.- notable works: study of head, cathedral
- museums: centro de arte moderna gulbenkian, soares dos reis national museum
- artists: amadeo de souza cardoso, jorge nicholson moore barradas
