Belém Tower - aerial viewFrancisco De Arruda · 1500

  • Creation date1500
  • MuseumTower of Belém
Thanks to the Discoveries of the 15th and 16th centuries, Lisbon became the world’s main centre of commerce. In order to protect the city, King João II and King Manuel I devised a pioneering maritime system of defence for Lisbon. As part of this project, in the narrowest part of the Tagus bay (1,670 meters), D. Manuel I had the Tower of Belém built in 1514. As a result, crossfire between the two banks could be created to block the entry of enemy ships. King Manuel I wanted the Tower of Belém, located at the entrance to the kingdom’s capital, to clearly assert his power. Therefore, the king ordered his heraldry to be ostensibly displayed on the tower. These include the Royal Arms, his personal emblem the

Francisco De Arruda (? – 1547)

Francisco de Arruda: Portuguese architect & sculptor famed for the Belém Tower's Manueline style. Explore his innovative designs & contributions to 16th-century Portugal.

Tower of Belém (Lisbon, Portugal)

Explore Belém Tower, Lisbon’s UNESCO World Heritage Site! Marvel at Manueline architecture and relive Portugal's Age of Discovery history with breathtaking Tagus views.

About this artwork

  • Title: Belém Tower - aerial view
  • Artist: Francisco De Arruda
  • Year: 1500
  • Format: Square
  • Copyright status: Public domain
  • Where to see it: Tower of Belém
  • Main color: Espresso
  • Color hue: Green to Violet Spectrum

Questions & Answers

Who is the artist behind "Belém Tower - aerial view"?

"Belém Tower - aerial view" was created by Francisco De Arruda. The information on this page describes Francisco De Arruda's original work.

In what year was "Belém Tower - aerial view" by Francisco De Arruda created?

"Belém Tower - aerial view" dates from 1500. The date places the work within Francisco De Arruda's career and its era.

Which museum holds the original "Belém Tower - aerial view"?

"Belém Tower - aerial view" by Francisco De Arruda is on display at the Tower of Belém, Lisbon, Portugal. The museum listing refers to the original work, not to reproductions.

Did "Belém Tower - aerial view" stay in its artist's homeland?

Yes - the artwork is kept in the artist's home country. The creator was born in Portugal; the original work is in Portugal.

Which color stands out most in "Belém Tower - aerial view"?

The color that stands out most in "Belém Tower - aerial view" is espresso (#393a31). The dominant color is useful when matching an artwork to an interior.

Who created "Belém Tower - aerial view" and in what year?

"Belém Tower - aerial view" was created by Francisco De Arruda in 1500.

Are the colors of "Belém Tower - aerial view" by Francisco De Arruda vivid or muted?

The color of "Belém Tower - aerial view" is muted in saturation and monochromatic in intensity.

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