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LIGHT AND FORM

Guidelines for Artists – Project “Light and Form” Royal Treasure Museum
Each artist invited to participate in this exhibition must choose a piece from the jewelry collection of the Royal Treasure Museum as the starting point for the creation or selection of their artwork. The curatorial proposal invites the establishment of a visual and symbolic dialogue between the contemporary artwork and the historical jewel, with a particular focus on colour and form:
- Choice of the Jewel The artist must select a specific jewel from the Royal Treasure Museum’s collection — for example, a crown, a necklace, an insignia, or a liturgical object — whose aesthetics, history, or symbolism awakens personal or artistic interest.
Gemological and Formal Study After the choice, the artist is encouraged to investigate the jewel in depth:
- Colour: Analyse the dominant tones of the gemstones (emeralds, rubies, sapphires, diamonds, etc.) and metals (gold, silver, platinum), observing how light interacts with the materials — brilliance, transparency, saturation.
- Form: Observe the structures, symmetries, curves, cuts, and decorative patterns present in the piece. These characteristics should be plastically translated into the contemporary artwork, whether through direct analogy or free interpretation.
Creation or Selection of the Artwork The artwork may be new or pre-existing, as long as it formally dialogues with the chosen jewel. The artist should explore:
- Chromatic correspondence or contrast.
Formal echoes or reflections (lines, patterns, geometries).
Sensations evoked by the materials (lightness, opulence, rigidity, brilliance).
The symbolism of the jewel (power, faith, love, heritage) as conceptual inspiration.
Explanatory Text Each artist must present a short explanatory text (up to 1000 characters) describing:
- The chosen jewel and its relevance.
- How the colour and form of that jewel influenced the creation or selection of their work.
- The nature of the relationship established between the two pieces.
This invitation proposes a unique creative experience: to look at the past through precious stones and metals, and to translate that gaze into a contemporary language. The result will be a constellation of works where art and jewelry reflect each other, revealing the timelessness of beauty.

> E-mail for submissions: lisbon@usia.co.uk

Thematic Nuclei of the Exhibition
The permanent exhibition is distributed across 11 sections, organized into three levels of the strongroom, including:
- Gold and diamonds from Brazil
- Coins and medals of the Crown
- Jewelry of the Ajuda Palace collection
- Honorific Orders
- Royal insignia: ritual objects of the monarchy
- Civil silverware
- Private collections of Ferdinand II and Luís I
- Diplomatic gifts
- Royal Chapel
- Germain Tableware
Travels of the Royal Treasure

Highlighted Pieces
Golden Fleece of King João VI — magnificent insignia with about 1,700 diamonds, 190 rubies and a sapphire
Royal Crown of King João VI — made of Brazilian gold (1818)
Emerald Bow of Queen Mariana
Plaque of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception of Vila Viçosa (Rio de Janeiro, 1818)
Germain Tableware — ceremonial service commissioned by King José I (1756)
Snuffbox (Paris, mid-18th century) with diamonds, emeralds, gold and silver
Stomacher Set (18th century) with emeralds and silver-gilt mounts
Shoulder or Hat Clasp (18th century) with yellow diamond, ruby and spinel
Pendant Medallion (c. 1784) with large sapphires (oval 100.05 ct; pear 50–60 ct) and diamonds
Diadem (Lisbon, 1868; adjusted until 1908) with diamonds
Necklace (Lisbon, 1865) with diamonds and gold
Jewelry Casket (Rome, c. 1860–1862) by Fortunato Pio Castellani, with 33 jewels, coins, micromosaics, ivory
Breast Pin (Turin, 19th century) with pearls, diamonds, silver and gold — gift from King Victor Emmanuel II to Queen Maria Pia
Fabergé Desk Clock (St. Petersburg, c. 1900) with gold, silver, enamel, diamonds, ivory, glass

https://www.tesouroreal.pt/paginas/c5e24a29

> E-mail for submissions: lisbon@usia.co.uk

Exhibition Date: 01/07/26 - 31/07/26 Curator: Francisco Lacerda Website: usia.co.uk/tesouroreal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/usiamodern Venue: North Hall, 4th Floor Address: Calçada da Ajuda, 1349-021 Lisbon, Portugal https://www.tesouroreal.pt/paginas/e518a561
Artwork Delivery Deadline: Before 25 June 2026 Participation Conditions: By invitation, recommendation, or closed competition via email. The selection of works is subject to approval or rejection by the Museum or USIA.
Participation Fee: Individual proposal, non-standardized, formalized through a contract between the organizer and the artist. Proposal Validity: Maximum of 30 days. After this period, values and availability may change. Number of Participating Artists: 15–20 Promotion: Managed by USIA, the Museum, and other partners Communication Channels: Press, social media, event websites, influencers, advertising
Exhibition Wall Options:
Option 1: Wall space 200 cm (height) x 200 cm (width)
Option 2: Wall space 400 cm (height) x 100 cm (width)
Artwork Transport: Not included Types of Works Exhibited: Painting, Photography, Drawing, etc. Maximum Dimensions per Artwork: 150 x 150 x 5 cm (depending on the artist’s chosen option) Maximum Weight per Artwork: 2,500 grams (2,5 kg) Maximum Dimensions per Package: 160 x 160 x 10 cm Maximum Weight per Package: 10,000 grams (10 kg)
Artwork Delivery Address: To be defined 2 months before exhibition setup Museum Security: https://www.tesouroreal.pt/paginas/04524bee-seguranca

> E-mail for submissions: lisbon@usia.co.uk

The exhibition space is located on the 4th floor of the Museum, in the area reserved for temporary exhibitions. It offers approximately 70 m² of exhibition area and an additional 200 m² of non-exhibition area. This is a mandatory passageway for all visitors.
The Museum receives an average of 10,000 visitors per month. The space benefits from natural lighting, through windows measuring 5 meters in height, complemented by artificial white lighting, provided by directional spotlights installed in the ceiling. The walls are white.
In the diagram:
Black lines represent the Museum’s structural walls.
Yellow lines represent the exhibition walls.
Available exhibition wall options:
Yellow line of 16 meters = Option 1 → Wall space measuring 200 cm in height x 200 cm in width.
Yellow lines of 8 meters and 2 meters = Option 2 → Wall space measuring 400 cm in height x 100 cm in width.

> E-mail for submissions: lisbon@usia.co.uk

Option 1 – Wall with 200 cm height x 200 cm width
Available space: Wall with 200 cm height x 200 cm width.
Maximum dimensions per artwork:
Width: up to 150 cm (including frame).
Height: up to 150 cm (including frame).
Number of artworks per artist: The artist may exhibit a single large artwork (up to 150 cm x 150 cm) or several smaller ones, provided that:
they have the same dimensions,
share the same theme and material,
and, if framed, have identical frames. Example: one artwork of 150 cm x 150 cm, or four artworks of 70 cm x 70 cm, among other proportional variations.
Approval: All proposals are subject to curator and Museum approval. Changes may be required even after approval, either by the Museum or the curator.
Maximum weight:
Each artwork may not exceed 2.5 kg.
The total weight of all artworks by each artist may not exceed 5 kg.
Recommendation: Framing is not recommended in this option.
Illustrative note: The example in the following image shows a painting of 120 cm height x 80 cm width. The maximum allowed width remains 150 cm for the 2-meter wall space.

Option 2 – Wall space 400 cm high x 100 cm wide
Number of works per artist: The artist may exhibit more than one work, provided they are displayed vertically, all with:
the same dimensions,
the same theme and material,
and, if framed, the same type of frame.
Examples of display:
1 large work of 80 cm wide x 150 cm high;
or 6 works of 80 cm wide x 50 cm high, among other proportional combinations.
Approval: All proposals are subject to the approval of the curator and the Museum. Changes may be required even after initial approval, either by the curator or by the Museum.
Illustrative example: The following image shows a painting measuring 120 cm high x 80 cm wide. The maximum width allowed for this space is 80 cm, considering the 1-meter-wide wall.
Hanging system: Works will be displayed using a rail hanging system.
Weight limit:
Each work may not exceed 2.5 kg.
The total of all works displayed vertically may not exceed 5 kg.
Exception: in the case of acquiring a wider wall space (2 m, 4 m, 6 m, etc.), the total weight allowed may exceed 5 kg, subject to the approval of the curator and the Museum.
Recommendation: In this format, it is recommended not to use frames.
Acquisition of additional space: Artists may acquire a wider wall space:
available options: 2 m, 4 m, 6 m, 8 m, 12 m, or 16 m.
The price proposal will be sent by email upon request.
The artist must indicate:
the desired wall width,
and the project of the work intended for that space.

> E-mail for submissions: lisbon@usia.co.uk

Media Coverage of the Event
USIA will launch the media coverage of the new exhibition through an integrated strategy that aims to reinforce its mission of promoting and enhancing national historical and cultural heritage.
For this purpose, more than 200 media outlets will be invited, including print, television, radio, digital, and international press. In parallel, a public relations agency will be engaged to ensure broader and more effective dissemination to target audiences and the international community.
Press Conference Prior to the official opening, a press conference will be held at the Royal Treasure Museum, where the main highlights of the exhibition will be presented, as well as the curatorial and historical framework of the pieces on display.
National and Digital Media Press releases and information materials will be made available to newspapers, magazines, and digital media outlets, highlighting the cultural and heritage value of the exhibition. Interviews and features are also planned in leading publications in the cultural and tourism sectors.
International Projection Given the importance of the Royal Treasure in the European context, international dissemination will also be promoted through the distribution of multilingual press releases and engagement with media specialized in art and heritage.
Official Content The Museum will provide official photographs, videos, and information notes for editorial use, in order to facilitate coverage by the different media outlets. Exclusive guided visits for media professionals will also be organized.

> E-mail for submissions: lisbon@usia.co.uk

How to Participate?
> Send your biography in text format (by e-mail or PDF), as well as the link to your website, if you are a new artist joining the group.
> Submit some works you intend to exhibit via https://www.wesendit.com/ or through an image link.
> The works must be submitted with their respective prices.
Indicate the desired exhibition option (Option 1 or Option 2) or, alternatively, request a larger wall.
The average response time for initial approval is two weeks. Approval is always subject to change at any time.
Payment can be made in 3 interest-free installments, provided they are paid monthly and continuously from the start of the payment period.
The proposal is valid for 30 days. After 30 business days, the price and conditions may no longer be available.
The artist must send the signed contract or confirm acceptance of the contractual terms by e-mail.
Full payment must be completed at least 6 months before the exhibition date.
> E-mail for submissions: lisbon@usia.co.uk

Artists can download the pdf with all information here

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“Light and Form: Dialogues between Art and Jewelry” 01/07/26 - 31/07/26

The Ajuda National Palace - Royal Treasure Museum, Lisbon

Royal Treasure Museum

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The Ajuda National Palace

Lisbon, Portugal

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