Celebrating Tebas (Joaquim Pinto de Oliveira)

Today’s Doodle celebrates the legacy of 18th-century Brazilian architect and engineer Joaquim Pinto de Oliveira, also known as Tebas. Historians believe that during this month in 1778, Tebas broke free from the shackles of slavery and ingrained his artistic vision into the streets of São Paulo upon the completed renovation of one of his most iconic designs: the first tower of the original São Paulo Cathedral.

Tebas was born in 1721 in the port city of Santos, Brazil, and was a black slave of the well-known Portuguese architect and builder Bento de Oliveira Lima. They relocated to São Paulo during a period of expansive civil construction in the capital city. Tebas had a rare expertise in working with stone, a skill which placed his services in very high demand there. 

By the 1750s, Tebas had risen to become a highly accomplished architect in São Paulo, and over the following decades, he shaped the city with constructions including the pediment of the São Bento Monastery and the facade of the Church of the Third Order of Carmo. He continued working for years after he gained his freedom and lived until the age of 90. Over the course of his long life, he cemented himself as one of the greatest Brazilian architects of his time.

In honor of Tebas’ contributions to the city, in 2019 his name was inscribed at the former site of what is widely considered one of his best-known works, the Chafariz da Misericordia (Fountain of Mercy), Sao Paulo’s first public water fountain which he designed and constructed in 1792. 

Thank you, Tebas, for overcoming all obstacles to lay the blueprint for a brighter future!

Doodler Q&A with Pedro Vergani

Today’s Doodle art was created by Doodler and Brazil native Pedro Vergani.
Below, he shares some thoughts on the making of the Doodle:

Q: When did you first learn about Tebas?

A: I’d seen Tebas’ work years before I’d actually heard about the man behind those buildings and monuments. It was only when I was invited to work on this Doodle that I learned about the incredible life story and accomplishments of Tebas.

 Q: What was your creative approach for this Doodle? Why did you choose this approach?

A: Tebas' story is fascinating. I wanted to portray him proudly working on his craft, planning,and  measuring the intricate details of his next creation.

 Q: Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle?

A: Growing up in Brazil, I’ve lived close to historical centers and towns in the state of São Paulo and Minas Gerais, where we would go on school trips to learn the history of architecture and art in those parts of the country. I’ve really enjoyed going over old pictures and memories to try to capture the colours and shapes that made those buildings so interesting. 

 Q: What do you hope people will take away from this Doodle?

A: I hope people will be inspired by learning about this incredible figure in our country’s history and his life. The way Tebas kept on developing his craft and worked as a free man for so many years is a testament to perseverance and determination that I hope will encourage people and herald better times.  

Early concepts of the Doodle