Carlos Leão

Carlos Azevedo Leão (Rio de Janeiro, 1906 - Rio de Janeiro, 1983) was an influential Brazilian architect, painter, watercolorist, and draftsman, recognized for his multifaceted talent in visual arts and architecture.

Graduated from the National School of Fine Arts in 1931, Leão worked alongside prominent figures such as Lúcio Costa, with whom he shared an architecture office, and Ukrainian architect Gregori Warchavchik, a pioneer of modernism in Brazil. He was involved in the project of the Gustavo Capanema Building in Rio de Janeiro, one of the first manifestations of the modern style in Brazil, serving as the headquarters for the Ministry of Education and Public Health from 1937 to 1943.

In addition to his architectural career, Leão was an exceptional draftsman and also dedicated himself to painting, using techniques such as oil, watercolor, gouache, and monotype. His works often depicted female figures, exploring the grace and natural sensuality of the female form.