The Altar de Olinda, a masterful Baroque piece from the 18th century, hails from the Church of São Pedro dos Clérigos in Olinda, Recife, Brazil. This intricately designed altar exemplifies the rich artistic and cultural heritage of Brazil, adorned with elaborate carvings and gilded details that reflect the profound religious devotion and artistic skill of the era.
In 2001, this magnificent artifact undertook a historic journey from Olinda to New York City. It was transported to be a centerpiece of the “Brazil: Body and Soul” exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum. This ambitious exhibition aimed to showcase Brazil’s diverse and vibrant cultural heritage to an international audience.
The transportation of the Altar de Olinda was a monumental task, requiring meticulous planning and conservation efforts to ensure its safe passage and preservation. The altar’s presence in New York provided a unique opportunity for the global community to appreciate Brazil’s Baroque art and its cultural significance. FINK was hired to do the job. Our team of specialized artwork packers, supervisors, and managers stayed for many weeks in Olinda to accomplish this amazing work.
With a special cargo plane stop and flight just for this transportation already organized, the Brazilian government forbade this important art patrimony to be transported to New York, due to the 9/11 terrorist attack. After many meetings and FINK assurance of transportation safety, it was finally authorized.
The exhibition at the Guggenheim was a resounding success, drawing attention to the richness of Brazilian art and the intricate craftsmanship of pieces like the Altar de Olinda. This event not only highlighted Brazil’s historical artistry but also fostered greater cultural exchange and appreciation between Brazil and the rest of the world.
