Ana de Gonta Colaço

Ana de Gonta Colaço (7 November 1903 – 25 December 1954) was a Portuguese sculptor, artist, and feminist.

Early life Ana Raymunda de Gonta Colaço was born on 7 November 1903 in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon. She was the daughter of the poet Branca de Gonta Colaço and the artist Jorge Colaço. Known affectionately as Aninhas, she was the couple’s third daughter, born just a year after the stillbirth of a sister. Her family was deeply connected to the intellectual and artistic circles of the time, with her parents being prominent figures in Portuguese society.

Ana was the younger sister of the lawyer, writer, and playwright Tomás Ribeiro Colaço. On her father's side, she was related to notable figures such as the pianist and composer Alexandre Rey Colaço, the actress and stage director Amélia Rey Colaço, and the painter and illustrator Alice Rey Colaço. Through her maternal lineage, she was the granddaughter of the politician and writer Tomás Ribeiro.

Colaço's childhood was one of privilege. She received an extensive home education from specialized tutors who taught her languages, literature, music, and even horseback riding. Alongside her younger sister, Maria Christina, she competed in national equestrian tournaments. Her childhood was also enriched by her family’s frequent interaction with prominent figures from high society and the cultural world. Her mother regularly hosted soirées and dinners, with distinguished guests, including Queen D. Amélia.

At the age of 17, Colaço discovered her talent for sculpture. After experimenting with small creations at home, she received encouragement from her father, who provided clay sourced from the Sacavém ceramics factory. Despite societal expectations that sculpture was an unsuitable pursuit for women and rarely led to financial independence, Colaço's parents supported her artistic ambitions. With their encouragement, she began taking formal sculpture classes.