January 8: Works of art return to Planalto palace collection
In a ceremony on Wednesday, January 8, at the Planalto presidential palace, 21 works of art restored following the January 8 coup attempt were officially returned to the Brazilian presidential collection. Among the items restored were an 18th-century pendulum clock and a painting by the renowned artist Di Cavalcante. "Preserving this legacy, which unites culture, history, and democracy, is everyone's responsibility," stated First Lady Janja da Silva during the ceremony.
"Memory is one of the most important pillars of our identity as Brazilians. Preserving it is not only a tribute to the past but also a commitment to the future," she said. "The restoration of the palace's artworks is part of our collective effort to strengthen democracy. They couldn't extinguish freedom or destroy beauty. In defiance of the violence and remnants of authoritarianism, we are bringing forth the vibrancy of our culture and the joy of our people," Janja da Silva added.
According to the First Lady, the restoration of the pieces was made possible through the collaboration of the Swiss government and the Swiss embassy in Brazil for the clock, as well as the Ministry of Culture, through the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute (Iphan), and the Federal University of Pelotas.
