Retrato do Marquês de Pombal
Autor: Desconhecido
Centro de Fabrico: Desconhecido
Data: Desconhecida
Material: Óleo sobre tela
Dimensões (cm): Larg. 71; alt. 93
Proprietário: Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis
N.º de Inventário: MNSR273
Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo – the Marquis of Pombal – was a Portuguese politician and diplomat. He integrated the government between 1750 and 1777, combining Absolutism with Enlightenment rationalism during his administration.
The Marquis of Pombal attended Law at the University of Coimbra, dropping out after the first year. He served in the army as a cadet for a short period, but as he did not adapt, he also abandoned the military career. Despite indulging in a rather idle life, he dedicated himself to the study of History, Politics and Legislation.
At the age of 39, Pombal’s public career began, serving as Portugal’s ambassador to both England (1738) and Austria (1744). Upon King José’s accession to the throne in 1750, he was appointed Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and War, quickly becoming the most powerful figure in the government. His exceptional abilities as a leader was revealed in the response to the devastating earthquake of 1755.
In 1756, he became Secretary of State of the Interior (a position equivalent to Prime Minister) and organized the urban reconstruction plan for Lisbon. He endeavoured to strengthen royal power, diminishing the strength of some noble houses. In 1759, he was granted the title of 1st Count of Oeiras and, in 1769, the title of 1st Marquis of Pombal.
He authored laws outlawing the enslavement of indigenous peoples and ended discrimination against New Christians. He reformed education – previously controlled by the Jesuits – through the adoption of new pedagogical methods and the creation of new schools – such as the Real Colégio dos Nobres (Royal College of Nobles). He also made alterations in the University of Coimbra, in the Army and in the Navy. He reorganized the country’s administration and finances and established the Royal Press and the School of Commerce. Pombal became known for ruling with an iron fist, enforcing the law for all social classes, without distinctions between the poor and the nobles.
However, his abuses of power earned him the antipathy of numerous enemies. In 1777, with the death of King José I and the ascension of Queen Maria I – an opponent of the Marquis of Pombal’s policies – his power crumbled and he was dismissed by royal decree. Accused of abuse of power and embezzlement, he had to face an inquiry and a judicial process that found him guilty. Given his advanced age, the marquis was only forced to leave the capital.
He passed away, at the age of 83, in the town of Pombal, being initially buried in the Church of Nossa Senhora do Cardal. His remains were later transferred to the Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Mercês in Lisbon in 1856. With the establishment of the Republic, his tomb was subjected to vandalism again, leading to another transfer in 1923 to the Church of Memória in Ajuda, Lisboa.
