More serious or ironic, more conventional or paradoxical, more philosophical or literary, deeper or more superficial, personal, autobiographical, or political — praise almost always calls for a transformation.

O elogio de… — an exhibition presented at Casa Antero de Quental from March 28 to July 20, 2026 — is a developing bibliographic collection that engages with the history of praise from a transdisciplinary perspective, spanning philosophy, literature, essays, art, politics, and biology, and featuring works in Portuguese, Spanish, French, and Italian.

The collection of Antonino Jorge — a professor of Anthropology and Art History and academic coordinator of the Erasmus+ program — began with In Praise of Folly, a pocket edition from Europa / América. It has grown organically, guided by teaching needs or the simple pleasure of reading, attracted by particular themes, authors, or simply appealing titles. Covers, typography, formats, paper, and colors are also valued, collectively honoring the book as an object in itself.

At a time when the waters of our world are turbulent and unsettled, this exhibition aims to spark reflection on what deserves to be celebrated and preserved, presenting itself as both a gesture of rebellion and of hope.

The exhibition opens on March 28 at 4:30 PM, with free admission.