Entre estrelas, dragões e cavalos misteriosos: a obra xilográfica de Gilvan Samico sob a ótica da representação temática

Abstract

This research was developed within the scope of Information Representation, focusing on the thematic dimension and the representation of image-based documents. Woodcuts were chosen as the object of investigation, recognizing them as legitimate sources of information and as artistic expressions imbued with elements that populate the popular imagination of Northeastern Brazil, with the woodcut artist Gilvan Samico being one of the greatest exponents of this art within the context of the Armorial Movement. Thus, this investigation has the following general objective: to analyze Gilvan Samico’s woodcuts through a methodological model of image analysis capable of identifying their symbolic repertoire. This general aim unfolds into the following specific objectives: to map image analysis methods situated within the field of Information Science and related areas; to propose a methodological model for the analysis of woodcuts; and to identify the thematic and symbolic content present in Gilvan Samico’s woodcut works using the proposed model. The research is exploratory and explanatory in nature and, regarding its objectives, constitutes applied research with a qualitative approach, based on documentary and bibliographic analysis. Data were collected through BRAPCI, the Capes Portal, BDTD, physical libraries, and a personal collection. For data analysis, an image analysis model developed from the works of Erwin Panofsky (1975), Johanna W. Smit (1996), and Laurent Gervereau (2007) was adopted. The results demonstrated that the applicability of the model presents both strengths and weaknesses, and that the field of Information Representation requires methodological innovations aimed at image-based documents, especially woodcuts. The study also demonstrated that Samico’s poetics are situated within the Armorial ideal from a mythic-magical perspective, intrinsically related to its aesthetic principles, which seek to integrate erudite and popular traditions.