The character Zé Povinho is more than just an ideological figure; it represents citizenship and opposition to injustices,” stated João Alpuim Botelho, director of the Bordalo Museum. He noted that the character was embraced by everyone, citing the popular saying, “it is not mine nor yours, it belongs to everyone.”
Zé Povinho first appeared on June 12, 1875, in the central pages of the newspaper A Lanterna Mágica by Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro (1846-1905).
“What makes the character of Zé Povinho absolutely brilliant, allowing it to endure for these 150 years, is its ability to reflect society as a mirror, challenging the public about political dealings or press freedom restrictions. It is always a message of citizenship,” explained the director.
The museum director added, “It is a reminder to always be vigilant; democracy must be built every day, as forces might arise to threaten it. This is Zé Povinho’s crucial message: democracy requires our effort and work. Bordalo’s concern with Zé Povinho is that he is lazy and illiterate, indifferent to learning how to read. Through work and education, Zé Povinho can improve his life.”
João Alpuim Botelho described Zé Povinho as a “genius creation” by Bordalo Pinheiro, applicable to various situations and practically timeless.
“It critiques politicians but addresses specific situations, avoiding generalities like ‘all politicians are the same’ or ‘all politicians are corrupt,’ unlike today’s populisms. Zé Povinho, through Bordalo’s hand, critiques specific situations,” stated Botelho.
The image of Zé Povinho was quickly adopted, notably by other artists, who continued to depict it during and after Bordalo’s life.
Bordalo Pinheiro, known for his generosity, would have appreciated seeing his creation used by others.
Zé Povinho emerged during the Constitutional Monarchy, survived the First Republic and the Estado Novo—facing significant censorship—, and flourished after the Revolution of April 25th.
“With the advent of the Republic in 1910, Zé Povinho, essentially a republican opposing the monarchy, appeared in various newspapers as a monarchist fighting against the Republic,” the director recounted.
Botelho highlighted Zé Povinho’s strong connection to the republican cause, always linked to João de Deus’s “Cartilha Maternal,” underlining that education was a key tenet of republicanism.
In celebration of Zé Povinho’s 150th anniversary, the Bordalo Pinheiro Museum will open a new permanent exhibition on July 21, featuring a room dedicated entirely to Zé Povinho.
A temporary exhibition curated by designer Jorge Silva will launch in November, showcasing Zé Povinho representations from the 19th century to the present.
A dedicated webpage will go live on the museum’s website on June 12, offering research findings and several galleries of Zé Povinho images from the 19th century, encompassing the 1st Republic, the April 25th period, and up to the present.
The city of Caldas da Rainha, with which Bordalo had close ties, will mark the 150th anniversary with an exhibition at the Cultural and Congress Center starting June 28.
