These pieces from the Lapenda collection showcase Frederico's favorite artist, his mother, Maria Suely Lapenda, the daughter of Durval Lucas and Maria Luiza. A native of Rio de Janeiro, Maria, at the age of 10, passed the entrance test at the most prestigious art school in South America, the Museu of Belas Artes Moderna. There she studied under the guidance of renowned vanguard expressionista Ivan Serpa, one of the leading artists of his generation, sparking Maria's fifty year love affair with oil painting. Her evocative and sometimes enigmatic style succeeds in capturing the emotional essence of people and places by projecting her art as an individual and subjective reflection of self.
     
 
Fawzia

Oil
20' x 27'
     
 
Fareeda

Oil
23' x 31'
     
 
Jesus Christ

Oil
32' x 47'
     
 
Maria Eduarda

Oil
11' x 19'
     
 
Juliet's Balcony in Verona

Oil
18' x 23'

According to the guidebook to Verona, this is the balcony on which Juliet was serenaded by Romeo. Of course, Romeo and Juliet were fictional characters. The ivy is particulary noticeable in this picture.

The balcony itself looks out over a small courtyard that can be accessed from the street by a short passageway. The house belongs to one of the families on whose story Shakespeare is believed to have based his romantic tragedy.
     
 
Madrid

Oil
20' x 25'
     
 
Lisbon

Oil
31' x 39'
   

 
 
Paris

Oil
27' x 31'
     
 
Amsterdan

25' x 36'