Antes do Muro: a Pintura Assunção de Nossa Senhora – Dordio Gomes na Igreja de Nª Sª do Perpétuo Socorro (Porto, 1953)

Abstract

Dordio Gomes’ mural painting Assumption of Our Lady in the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help was completed in 1953, showcasing reflections on the dogma and its proclamation. This article explores the commissioning of the mural, high‑ lighting its significance in developing mural painting in Porto in the mid‑20th century. The complex iconographic choices, technical aspects of the fresco, and the artist’s meticulous attention to detail in public spaces are also discussed. By examining preparatory drawings and other documents from the artist’s family archive, one can follow the creative process and modernist solutions aligned with the architecture. Changes to the church over time offer insights into the community’s perception of the site’s importance. Understanding this context is crucial for preserving and promoting heritage effectively.