the collector's folio

Marcel Gautherot Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by Marcel Gautherot our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Marcel Gautherot · 1910 – 1996

National Congress, project by Oscar Niemeyer, Brasília, DF. Brazil

Instituto Moreira Salles, Rio de Janeiro · original 46 x 46 cm

Marvel at Oscar Niemeyer’s National Congress in Brasília! This striking black & white photo captures architectural brilliance – a must-see for art & architecture lovers.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 32 artworks by Marcel Gautherot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20631 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$24046 × 46 cm Commission at original size

Carnauba leaf, Fortaleza, CE. Brazil

Instituto Moreira Salles, Rio de Janeiro · original 46 x 46 cm

Marcel Gautherot’s ‘Carnauba Leaf’ captures Brazilian nature in stark black & white. A detailed photographic study of palm fronds, showcasing geometric forms and dramatic lighting.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 32 artworks by Marcel Gautherot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18132 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21546 × 46 cm Commission at original size

National Congress, Brasília, DF. Brazil

Instituto Moreira Salles, Rio de Janeiro · original 46 x 46 cm

Marcel Gautherot’s striking black & white photo of Brasília’s National Congress showcases architectural brilliance. Explore modernism & Niemeyer's design – a captivating Brazilian art piece.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 32 artworks by Marcel Gautherot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20632 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$24046 × 46 cm Commission at original size

National Congress under construction, Brasília, DF. Brazil

Instituto Moreira Salles, Rio de Janeiro · original 46 x 46 cm

A striking black and white aerial view captures the monumental construction of Brazil's National Congress by Marcel Gautherot, offering a powerful glimpse into modernist history that you can bring to your collection.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 32 artworks by Marcel Gautherot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$45632 × 31 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$49046 × 46 cm Commission at original size

Alvorada palace, Brasília, DF. Brazil

Instituto Moreira Salles, Rio de Janeiro · original 46 x 46 cm

Marvel at Marcel Gautherot’s ‘Alvorada Palace,’ a striking B/W photo of Brasília Cathedral. Capturing modernist design & Brazilian beauty, this 1999 piece is a rare find.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 32 artworks by Marcel Gautherot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20632 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$24046 × 46 cm Commission at original size

Portrait of a boy, Alcântara, MA. Brazil

Instituto Moreira Salles, Rio de Janeiro · original 46 x 46 cm

Marcel Gautherot Chantilly France 1910 1996 Acquired by the Instituto Moreira Salles in 1999, the complete works of French artist Marcel Gautherot total around 25,000 images, a collection spanning a vast array of themes and placing its author among the fundamental names of 20th-century Brazilian photography. Born in Paris in 1910 and settled in Rio de Janeiro in late 1940, Gautherot cast his

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 32 artworks by Marcel Gautherot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18131 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21546 × 46 cm Commission at original size

National Congress, Brasília, DF. Brazil

Instituto Moreira Salles, Rio de Janeiro · original 46 x 46 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 32 artworks by Marcel Gautherot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18132 × 31 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21546 × 46 cm Commission at original size

National Congress, Brasília, DF. Brazil

Instituto Moreira Salles, Rio de Janeiro · original 46 x 46 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 32 artworks by Marcel Gautherot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18131 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21546 × 46 cm Commission at original size

National Congress, project by Oscar Niemeyer, Brasília, DF. Brazil

Instituto Moreira Salles, Rio de Janeiro · original 46 x 46 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 32 artworks by Marcel Gautherot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$28131 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$31546 × 46 cm Commission at original size

Guerreiro festival, Maceió, Al. Brazil

Instituto Moreira Salles, Rio de Janeiro · original 6 x 6 cm

Marcel Gautherot’s ‘Guerreiro festival’ captures vibrant Brazilian culture. This 1999 black & white photo showcases music, tradition & a unique aesthetic. Acquire this iconic piece!

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 32 artworks by Marcel Gautherot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18132 × 31 cm Commission this artwork

Igapó, Amazon Forest

Instituto Moreira Salles, Rio de Janeiro

This monochromatic photograph by Marcel Gautherot captures the tranquil mystery of the Amazon rainforest. Discover this timeless masterpiece now.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 32 artworks by Marcel Gautherot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20632 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Carnival parade. Rio Branco Avenue, Downtown

1960 · Instituto Moreira Salles, Rio de Janeiro

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 32 artworks by Marcel Gautherot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$35631 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

National Congress building, Brasília

Instituto Moreira Salles, Rio de Janeiro

Marcel Gautherot’s iconic black & white photo of Brasília’s National Congress showcases modern architecture & geometric design. A stunning photographic realism capturing Brazilian civic pride.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 32 artworks by Marcel Gautherot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18132 × 31 cm Commission this artwork

Jangadas sailing boats, Aquiraz, Ceará

Instituto Moreira Salles, Rio de Janeiro

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 32 artworks by Marcel Gautherot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$25631 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Carnival

1960 · Instituto Moreira Salles, Rio de Janeiro

Marcel Gautherot’s ‘Carnival’ (1960) captures a vibrant Brazilian celebration in black & white. A candid documentary photo showcasing community, joy, and nostalgic charm.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 32 artworks by Marcel Gautherot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$33132 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Carnival

1960 · Instituto Moreira Salles, Rio de Janeiro

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 32 artworks by Marcel Gautherot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$48132 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Capoeira game, Salvador, BA. Brazil

Instituto Moreira Salles, Rio de Janeiro · original 46 x 46 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 32 artworks by Marcel Gautherot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20632 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$24046 × 46 cm Commission at original size

Harbor in front of Ver-o-Peso market, Belém, PA. Brazil

Instituto Moreira Salles, Rio de Janeiro · original 30 x 30 cm

Black & white photo by Marcel Gautherot captures a bustling harbor scene in Belém, Brazil. Documenting Brazilian life & architecture, this 1999 work showcases modernist photography.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 32 artworks by Marcel Gautherot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18131 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Stilt Houses near Manaus

Instituto Moreira Salles, Rio de Janeiro

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 32 artworks by Marcel Gautherot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18131 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Streeet Carnival, man dressed as a woman

1951 · Instituto Moreira Salles, Rio de Janeiro

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 32 artworks by Marcel Gautherot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18131 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Corcovado seen from Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas.

Instituto Moreira Salles, Rio de Janeiro · original 40 x 40 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 32 artworks by Marcel Gautherot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20631 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$22540 × 40 cm Commission at original size

Esplanade of the ministries under construction, Brasília, DF. Brazil

Instituto Moreira Salles, Rio de Janeiro · original 46 x 46 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 32 artworks by Marcel Gautherot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18132 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21546 × 46 cm Commission at original size

Ministry of Education and Health

Instituto Moreira Salles, Rio de Janeiro

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 32 artworks by Marcel Gautherot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18131 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Raftsmen, Aquiraz,CE. Brazil

Instituto Moreira Salles, Rio de Janeiro · original 46 x 46 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 32 artworks by Marcel Gautherot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18131 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21546 × 46 cm Commission at original size

Raftsman, Aquiraz,CE. Brazil

Instituto Moreira Salles, Rio de Janeiro · original 46 x 46 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 32 artworks by Marcel Gautherot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18131 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21546 × 46 cm Commission at original size

The artist

Marcel Gautherot

1910 – 1996

Quick facts

Top 3 worksNational Congress, project by Oscar Niemeyer, Brasília, DF. Brazil, Carnauba leaf, Fortaleza, CE. Brazil, National Congress, Brasília, DF. Brazil
Mediumsacrylic on canvas
Works on APS32
Top-ranked workNational Congress, project by Oscar Niemeyer, Brasília, DF. Brazil
Corpus themesbrazilian identity, architectural documentation, documentary realism, monumental scale
Born1910, Chantilly, France
Museums on APSInstituto Moreira Salles
Color intensitymonochromatic

Biography

A Witness to Modernity: The Life and Legacy of Marcel Gautherot

Marcel Gautherot, born in Chantilly, France, in 1910, was more than a photographer; he was a chronicler of transformation, a visual poet who dedicated over half a century to documenting the evolving soul of Brazil. Though initially drawn to architecture, it was through the lens that Gautherot found his true calling, becoming one of the most important photographers to capture the nation’s landscapes, its people, and—most significantly—the ambitious construction of Brasília. His journey began in Paris, where a budding interest in the principles of Bauhaus design led him towards an apprenticeship he ultimately abandoned, finding himself instead captivated by the power of visual storytelling while archiving images at the Musée de l'Homme in 1936. This early experience proved pivotal, shaping his eye for composition and his commitment to capturing the essence of human existence within built environments.

From Parisian Roots to Brazilian Horizons

Inspired by Jorge Amado’s vibrant narratives and a desire to explore beyond European borders, Gautherot embarked on extensive travels in the late 1930s. A brief period of military service in Senegal preceded a reconnaissance trip into the Amazon rainforest, experiences that broadened his perspective and ultimately led him to settle in Rio de Janeiro around 1940. It was here, immersed in Brazilian culture, that Gautherot truly flourished. He quickly integrated himself into the country’s artistic circles, forging close relationships with leading Modernist figures like Melo Burle Marx and Oscar Niemeyer. While initially undertaking photographic work for museums and architectural magazines, it was his documentation of everyday life—the resilience of indigenous communities, the energy of coastal cities—that began to define his unique style. His photographs weren’t merely representations; they were imbued with a deep sense of empathy and respect for the subjects he portrayed.

Brasília: A City in the Making

The defining chapter of Gautherot's career unfolded between 1958 and 1960, as he meticulously documented the construction of Brasília, President Juscelino Kubitschek’s audacious vision for a new capital city. Over two years, he captured over several thousand images—a comprehensive visual record of this monumental undertaking. His photographs reveal not just the geometric purity of Niemeyer's designs and Costa’s urban planning, but also the human cost and collective effort behind the project. He focused on the government wing, immortalizing iconic structures like the Brasília Cathedral, the Palacio do Planalto, and the Alvorada Palace as they rose from the landscape. Gautherot’s choice of black-and-white film, coupled with his masterful use of light and shadow, lent a dramatic intensity to his work, highlighting the contrast between architectural ambition and the manual labor required to realize it. His signature 6x6 square format—earning him the moniker “master of the magic square”—further emphasized the precision and clarity of his vision.

A Lasting Impact: Documentarian Realism and Modernist Vision

Marcel Gautherot’s photographs transcend mere documentation; they are powerful statements about progress, identity, and the human spirit. His work is characterized by a unique blend of documentarian realism and aesthetic beauty, capturing both the grandeur of architectural innovation and the everyday lives of those who built it. The Instituto Moreira Salles acquired his complete collection in 1999—a testament to its cultural significance—comprising around 25,000 images that span a vast array of themes. Gautherot’s legacy extends beyond Brazil, influencing generations of photographers with his commitment to social commentary and his ability to find beauty in the most unexpected places. He died in 1996, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire awe and provoke reflection on the complexities of modernity and the enduring power of visual storytelling.

Key Influences: Bauhaus principles, Jorge Amado’s literature, Brazilian Modernist architects Oscar Niemeyer and Lucio Costa.
Major Themes: Architecture, landscapes, people, social commentary, urban development, the construction of Brasília.
Distinguishing Style: Black-and-white photography, dramatic use of light and shadow, 6x6 square format, documentarian realism combined with aesthetic beauty.

Questions & Answers

How many artworks by Marcel Gautherot are available to browse?

You can browse 32 artworks by Marcel Gautherot on the All Artworks page.

Can I study Marcel Gautherot's use of color across all works?

The Palette Genome of Marcel Gautherot is a page that presents the color profile of the artist's body of work.

Can I browse Marcel Gautherot's works by movement?

The All Movements page groups Marcel Gautherot's artworks by art movement.

By the WahooArt.com Editorial Team Updated Oct. 11, 2026

one You choose the size

Standard formats or any custom dimension, matched to the proportions of the original.

two We paint and send a preview

A photo of the finished canvas for your approval before it is shipped.

three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

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