Raphael Domingues
(1913 – 1979)
Raphael was born in São Paulo state as the eldest of four siblings. At age 13 he entered the Liceu Literário Português (the Portuguese Literary Lyceum), where he studied academic drawing. He worked as a draughtsman for private offices and even won an award in a Standard Oil Company competition.
When he was 19 years old, he started attending the studio at the museum. Of fundamental importance to Raphael’s story was the presence of artist Almir Mavignier, who was then the studio’s monitor and provided Raphael with affectionate support and encouragement.
The pleasure of drawing in an environment where he was treated dearly, awakened unexpected manifestations of creative force in Raphael. The quality of his drawing aroused fascination and respect – Mário Pedrosa, Murilo Mendes, Abraham Palatnik, Léon Degand, Sérgio Milliet and others admired him and were portrayed in some of his works.
He took part in several solo and group exhibitions in Brazil and abroad.
