Devil

The great-gandson of one of the greatest Portuguese clay artists makes an homage.

God is in the details. The expression gains a funny resonance when we think about the Figures of Barcelos, the universe of clay figures deeply connected to the people of Barcelos (Minho, Portugal) and their religious profession - Catholicism.

The masterful potter António Ramalho is the great-grandson of Rosa Ramalho, one of the most popular Portuguese potters to this day, and this Devil is his original creation - a devoted tribute to a great-grandmother.

António's mother was also a potter, so he grew up with a very conscious doubt regarding his own creations: Where do I fit in? Does my work belong on the same shelves as these incredible women who taught me everything I know?

That is a lot of pressure. But sometimes, pressure simply gives way to talent.

Not being a very religious man himself, António wanted to honour Rosa's art with this Devil, distinguishing himself through details like the colours and the vitreous texture. Together, the aesthetics of both - between the religious and the profane - ended up inspiring the innovative Portuguese animated feature film "Os Demónios do Meu Avô" (The Demons of My Grandfather), directed by Nuno Beato.

Take a good look. The spikes, the gaze, the funny snakes. So much to see, so many stories in one simple figure.

You know what. The devil is in the details.