João Augusto Ribeiro da Cunha: A Life of Artistic Devotion Early Life and Education Born in Vila Real, Portugal, in 1860, João Augusto Ribeiro da Cunha dedicated his life to the pursuit and teaching of art. His artistic journey began at the Academia Portuense de Belas Artes, where he quickly distinguished himself. A pivotal moment in his early career was winning the pecuniary prize instituted by the Baron of Castelo de Paiva, a recogn…