8. Epilogue

The Epilogue opens with a discussion of Plato’s views on the arts, and considers how Rego’s work diverges from Plato’s perspective. Lisboa identifies a shift in perception of the function of art in the eighteenth century, which is connected to the rise of the Civic Humanist theory of art, and its relationship to Rego’s work. and how this artist’s work conflicts. Lisboa discusses the impact of Rego’s work, including the breaking of (bad) old habits and reversing habitual power organizations; challenging traditional historiography by, among other things, inscribing women into history; and advancing areas of ethical and political debate, as well as exposing the very fabric of human freedom as fragile. Lisboa explores the relationship between artist and model (with a consideration of Portugal and Britain as Rego’s models across six decades), and returns to a discussion of post-imperial Portugal’s enduring contradictions (as explored in Chapter Three). Final consideration is given to the ways in which Rego’s work productively violates barriers and disrupts familiar modes of looking at the world.