Ambr?sio Coelho

(b Santa Cristina de Serzedelo; fl 1718-37). Portuguese sculptor and wood-carver. His family were carvers in the region of Entre Douro e Minho. In 1718 he was contracted to execute the main altarpiece of S Casa da Miseric?rdia, Viana do Castelo. It is one of the finest examples of wood-carving in the national style (the final phase of the Baroque) that developed in the last quarter of the 17th century and reached its height in the early 18th. The principal decorative elements include depictions of children, phoenixes, grape leaves and curling acanthus leaves, which extend over the surface of the arches of the altarpiece. In 1726 he collaborated with Lu?s Pereira da Costa on the carving for the chancel and the transept arch of the church of Bom Jesus, Matosinhos. In 1729 they collaborated again on the carving for the choir of the convent of S Jo?o de Tarouca. It is documented that in 1737 Coelho made designs for side altarpieces and other carvings in the church of Arvore, Azurara.

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