Ricardo Fonseca
the art of innovating without losing his roots
Text and photographs by Ana VascoThe professional journey of Ricardo Fonseca, the youngest master in the art of bonecos de Estremoz, began early. From a young age, he felt a strong attraction and great respect for the craft practised by his aunts, the Flores Sisters: Maria Inácia Fonseca, who became a doll maker in 1972, and Perpétua Sousa, who has been creating the figurines since 1976, both apprentices of master Sabina Santos. The playful clay modelling during summer holidays gradually evolved into something more serious, a true life purpose.
Origins
As a teenager, Ricardo started selling his first pieces. After completing secondary school, he decided to dedicate himself entirely to craftsmanship. His works feature religious representations and professions, and most notably, the traditional nativity scene and the figure of Queen Saint Isabel, a historical figure intimately linked to Estremoz. The latter often transcends the status of mere artistic piece, becoming a symbol of local identity and Ricardo’s personal journey, revealing the deep bond between the artisan, his works, and his community.
In the Studio
Today, this master of the figurines is recognised for his dedicated commitment to preserving traditional techniques and aesthetics. In the studio he shares with his aunts, Ricardo’s hands tirelessly shape and dress the figurines with delicate details, giving them life and history. The large common table is a living mosaic of paint jars, unfinished pieces, various tools, and brushes – a scene where figures are born on the principle that experience and creativity are the pillars of creation. Although Ricardo Fonseca acknowledges the importance of social media for promoting his work, the sale of his pieces is mainly conducted through orders in the physical shop. Due to the limited production and the desire to maintain quality and attention to detail, all of this craftsman’s pieces are born as unique examples of high quality. The inclusion of the bonecos de Estremoz on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2017, followed by certification in 2018, did not significantly change the prices of the pieces but reinforced the value of the work developed by Ricardo. These international recognitions also highlight the cultural and artistic importance of his work. However, the craftsman firmly believes that the true quality of his creations does not rely on certificates but on the care and skill applied to each piece. Thus, he continues to honour tradition while imprinting his own mark of originality and excellence on the legacy of bonecos de Estremoz.
Horizons
In Ricardo’s perspective, the future of craftsmanship in Portugal depends on the interest and appreciation of the younger generations. However, this craftsman remains optimistic, noting a growing recognition among the youth for tradition in Estremoz. He believes that this connection between the past and the future, innovation and tradition, will underpin the continuity and prosperity of craftsmanship. Ricardo Fonseca, with his magical hands and his story, does not merely preserve a legacy; he is, in fact, sculpting a rich and vibrant culture, intertwining clay and community identity with each piece he creates. The figurines made by Ricardo honour ancestral traditions while also revitalising them. They are living expressions of history and the shared values of the Portuguese people.