Pink whispers tales of faith and art. Right here before us stands the Mayrink Chapel. This delicate chapel enchants all visitors to Tijuca Park. Let’s uncover its history.
The Mayrink Chapel was built in 1855. Visconde Antônio Alves Souto built it. He owned the Fazenda Boa Vista. It was initially named Nossa Senhora de Belém. In 1896, its name changed. It became Capela Mayrink. This happened after the area was sold. Francisco de Paula Mayrink became the new owner.
Look closely at the altar. There are replicas of paintings here. Cândido Portinari created four paintings for the chapel. They are “Nossa Senhora do Carmo com o menino Jesus no colo”. This translates to “Our Lady of Carmel with the baby Jesus on her lap”. Others include “São Simão Stock”, “São João da Cruz”, and “Purgatório” or “The Purgatory”. The originals are now held by the National Museum of Fine Arts.
In 1943, Castro Maya commissioned Portinari. He wanted the chapel decorated. Architect Wladimir Alves de Souza oversaw the restoration. Portinari created the panels in Petrólpolis in early 1944. His siblings and son helped. Residents from Alto da Boa Vista also contributed to the payment.
Portinari masterfully combined transcendence and devotion. He added lyricism and tenderness. The chapel reopened on July 16, 1944. Cardinal D. Jayme de Barros Câmara presided over the ceremony.
The Mayrink Chapel is located within Tijuca Forest National Park. In the 1940s, Mayor Henrique Dodsworth sought help from Raymundo de Castro Maya. He wanted to improve the city. Castro Maya remodeled the Tijuca Forest. He aimed to showcase a national park. He wanted to protect its natural beauty.
Tragedy struck in 1993. The panels São Simão Stock, São João da Cruz, and Purgatório were stolen. Thankfully, they were recovered in 1994. Before that the Nossa Senhora do Carmo panel was moved. It went to the National Museum of Fine Arts. The recovered paintings later joined it there.
The Mayrink Chapel stands as a testament to art and faith. It also reminds us of the importance of preserving our natural and cultural heritage. The chapel is open daily. You can visit from 2 pm to 4 pm. On the first Sunday of each month, a mass is held at noon. Take a moment to appreciate the serenity and beauty that surrounds you.