Livros e leituras do arquiteto Manuel Caetano de Sousa

Son of the Master builder of the architectural works of Mafra, Manuel Caetano de Sousa started early his apprenticeship, later consolidated with adequate professional training, acquired only in Portugal.
Maintaining in his works the influence of Mafra’s school, he exceled in civil, military, utilitarian, religious, interior and ephemeral architecture. Our purpose is to present his library through a catalogue prepared in compliance with the public edict of 10th July 1768, from the Royal Censorship Office. Although still a young architect, Manuel Caetano de Sousa had already done several works and in 1766, he had been appointed architect of the Three Military Orders. His books reveal, mostly, the importance of a theoretical and practical knowledge including architectural treatises and numerous profusely illustrated publications that contributed to his artistic taste for the “rocaille” decoration and inspired his desire of building with the greatest perfection.