The Twelve Prophets of Congonhas · Figures Carved with a Hook

In front of the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus in Congonhas stand twelve soapstone prophets, each with a different stance, beard and gaze, all by one sculptor — Aleijadinho, “the little cripple”.

He had leprosy and gradually lost his fingers and toes, so his tools had to be strapped to his hands, or he was carried up the scaffolding at night by workmen and cut the stone with iron hooks himself. He carved the prophets as people, not as symbols.

Soapstone weathers easily. The custodians keep repairing them, but they cannot save them all.

Historical Mysteries / Minas Gerais · Brazil / 1800