Leopoldo Gotuzzo e a constituição do MALG (1887-1986)

Abstract

This research investigates the Pelotas painter, Leopoldo Gotuzzo, and the creation of the Art Museum Leopoldo Gotuzzo (MALG) by the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel). The aim of this research is to verify the intent and the participation of the artist in the creation of this institution, which carries his name. The time delimitation is from 1887 (Gotuzzo’s birth year) to 1986 (the year that marks the foundation of the MALG/UFPel). This study relied on written and iconographic sources from the museum’s collection, oral sources and documents preserved in the private collections of the ontributors. This study is part of the field of History of Education and under the perspective of Cultural History. The analysis of the documents showed that Leopoldo Gotuzzo made his first donation of a paintings collection to the Pelotas School of Fine Arts (EBA) in 1995. This institution was founded by his colleague and friend Marina Pires, and he was a patron, he donated his work in order for it to be used as a model for the students. Gotuzzo planned a second donation after his death, seeking for his paintings to be preserved and exposed. This research indicates that the artist did not want to be forgotten, and, to achieve this, arranged the donations of his works to the creation of a future museum, which would carry his name. EBA, which was later incorporated by UFPel in 1973, did not have the funds to create the museum. Nevertheless, in 1986 the MALG/UFPel was created, as a consequence of a combination of factors, such as, the painter’s connections to, and the appreciation of his art by, the managers of EBA, UFPel, and the community of Pelotas; the consistent investment of the painter in his artistic education; and the donations of his works. Therefore, this research addresses aspects from the life and work of Leopoldo Gotuzzo and his intention of being immortal, thus, highlighting the participation of the artist in the creation of the MALG.