This statue of Eça de Queiroz (1845-1900) stands in a small plaza opposite the Consulate of Brazil. The plaza is named after Joaquim Pedro Quintela (1748-1817), a member of the Council of Queen Mary I and the owner of a monopoly on the tobacco trade.
The statue is a bronze replica of the original that was unveiled in 1903 and depicts him holding a nude woman that symbolically represents the "truth." It is allegedly modeled after his wife, Keixera.
Three of his books, "Os Maias", "O Crime do Padre Amaro" and "A Relíquia" are some of the most important Portuguese "realism" writings. Critics rank him alongside Dickens, Balzac and Tolstoy. In addition to the writings, he also a diplomat, representing Portugal in Cuba and England and others.
The statue itself is lovely, if a little rough-hewn in the bodies. The facial expression is detailed and worth a stop if you're walking *down* the steep hill of Rua do Alecrim.
[Review 18998 overall - 196 in Portugal - 2522 of 2022.] read more