Penguin Random House LLC

Patterns of Portugal

In this intimate collection, photographer and writer Christine Chitnis invites you on a journey through the sunbaked beaches, startling blue waters, bougainvillea-draped streets, tile-covered buildings, and lush green vineyards of Portugal. From the honeyed fields of Alentejo and sparkling shores of the Algarve to the heart of cosmopolitan Lisbon and verdant valleys of the Douro, Chitnis spent years traveling through Portugal with a camera in hand, capturing the vibrant colors and unique patterns woven throughout the country’s culture, history, architecture, and traditions.  Organized into five colorful themes—Azul, Sun Bleached, Bougainvillea, Terracotta, and Verde—Patterns of Portugal features cultural and historical essays that explore the artistry of azulejos, the colorful ceramic tiles covering much of Portugal's architecture, the intricate embroidered details of traditional lavradeira costumes, and much more.