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Church of Our Lady of Mercy and Forgiveness (Mercês de Baixo)
Ouro Preto, Vila Rica, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Religious Architecture
The Brotherhood of Our Lady of Mercy was founded in 1743 in the Parish Church of Our Lady of the Conception in António Dias. The original Chapel of the Good Jesus of Forgiveness was built on top of a hill by Father José Fernandes Leite in 1742. He agreed to donate the building to the Brotherhood of Our Lady of Mercy and the Redemption of the Captives in 1770, as long as it “did not affect the worship of the images of Our Lord of Forgiveness and Our Lady of Health”. Several phases of remodelling work date from this period, including that of the chancel, the project for which was commissioned in 1775 from António Francisco Lisboa, while the building contract was awarded to Amaro José Nunes. The rammed earth walls were rebuilt in stone in the early 19th century, with ashlar masonry cornerpieces and pilasters, while the orientation of the building was changed. On this occasion, a single tower was built of rammed earth on the right-hand side to be used for religious services; the second tower was not built until the second half of the century. The structure of the façade is similar to that of the Church of Our Lady of Conception in António Dias, but, in terms of its floor plan, the Church of Mercy, unlike the parish church, has no side aisles. The present-day high altar is a simple one, with a double arch and ornamental border dating from 1890. The church preserves a rich collection of images, with the most outstanding works being the three pieces attributed to O Aleijadinho: Saint Peter Nolasco (a roca image on the high altar), Saint Raymond Nonnatus and a crucifix.
Cláudia Damasceno Fonseca