The Lusophone influence on Brazilian colonial religious architecture, mainly during the 18th century, can be detected in the solution given to the architectures and mainly in the ornamental choices that aimed to transform the austere internal atmosphere of hundreds of temples throughout the territory, highlighting the use of painting, carving and tiles. Echoes of the features of this past reached the 20th century, reinterpreted by modern Brazilian architecture, when tile panels were used to establish connections with the local architectural legacy. One of these examples are the tile panels created by Cândido Portinari to cover the Capela Curial de São Francisco de Assis (Belo Horizonte), designed by Oscar Niemeyer. In this sense, this article aims to reflect upon the application of ceramic material in that temple, from modern concepts that encouraged the use of items inspired by local architectural colonial heritage.
