O Gringo Marianne at the French Embassy in Lisbon

A Contemporary Artwork Connecting France, Portugal and the United States

Celebrates Bastille Day 2026 at the French Embassy in Lisbon

In July 2026, French artist O Gringo (Bastien Tomasini) returned to the French Embassy in Lisbon to celebrate Bastille Day, more than two years after presenting his contemporary “O Gringo Marianne ” to the Embassy. Through Paris 75 Image, this article documents a unique evening where art, diplomacy and French-Portuguese cultural relations came together.

“Today, I pay tribute to freedom through Marianne — the heart of an artistic trilogy connecting France, Portugal and the United States. Inspired by French ideals, Portuguese sensibility and the American democratic spirit, this work becomes a universal symbol of unity, pride and hope across the Atlantic.

Vive le 14 Juillet.“

— Bastien Tomasini (O Gringo)

Bastille Day at the Residence of the French Ambassador

For the third consecutive year, Paris 75 Image had the privilege of attending the official Bastille Day celebration hosted at the Residence of the French Ambassador in Lisbon.

The 2026 edition carried particular significance. It marked the farewell reception of Hélène Farnaud-Defromont, Ambassador of France to Portugal, before assuming her new diplomatic appointment in Canada.

Throughout four years of service, Ambassador Farnaud-Defromont played an important role in strengthening the cultural relationship between France and Portugal, supporting artistic dialogue and fostering connections between institutions, creators and cultural initiatives.

The Historic Palais de Santos

Few diplomatic residences in Europe possess such remarkable historical depth.

The Palais de Santos, also known as the Palace of Abrantes, has served as the official Residence of the French Ambassador since the nineteenth century.

Standing above the Tagus River, the palace combines Portuguese history with French diplomacy.

Originally built over medieval foundations, it survived the devastating 1755 Lisbon earthquake and remains one of the city’s most distinguished historical residences.

According to local tradition, it was here that King Sebastian of Portugal shared his final meal before departing for the Battle of Alcácer Quibir in 1578.

Today, the palace continues to represent one of the strongest symbols of the friendship between France and Portugal.

Meeting President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa

Among the highlights of the evening was the opportunity for Bastien Tomasini (O Gringo) to meet Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Former President of Portugal.

Known internationally for his warmth and accessibility, the President has long been recognised as one of Portugal’s strongest advocates for culture and heritage.

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Former President of Portugal and O Gringo – 14/July/2026

The Day O Gringo Presented His Marianne to the French Embassy in Portugal

In February 2024, O Gringo presented the French Embassy in Portugal with his vision of Marianne as a tribute to the country where he was born and to the country he chose to live and work in.

More than a symbol of the French Republic, this contemporary interpretation of Marianne reflects the artistic dialogue between France and Portugal, bringing together two cultures that have shaped the artist’s journey.

Throughout her years in Portugal, Ambassador Hélène Farnaud-Defromont showed a genuine commitment to cultural exchange between France and Portugal. Paris 75 Image warmly thanks her for her support and wishes her every success in her new mission in Canada.

Seven Years Later: Hopare

I first met Hopare in 2019 during the Urban Art Fair, directed by Yannick Boesso, while I was working at Ellia Art Gallery in Paris.

That year, Hopare created a monumental mural on the gallery’s façade, which quickly became one of the most recognisable and most photographed street art walls in Paris.

The following year, during the 2020 Urban Art Fair, he unveiled his now iconic Marianne, wearing a protective face mask. Created at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the artwork captured the uncertainty of that moment and became one of the strongest artistic images of that period.

SEVEN years later, it was a real pleasure to meet Hopare again, this time at the French Embassy in Lisbon, where he had been invited by Ambassador Hélène Farnaud-Defromont to create a live painting in the gardens of the Palais de Santos.

For me, it felt like revisiting some wonderful memories from my years in Paris while having the privilege of watching one of France’s leading contemporary artists at work once again. Seeing a blank wall gradually come to life was a reminder of why live painting remains such a unique experience, both for the artist and for everyone present.

Paris 75 Image: Documenting Cultural History

Beyond documenting artistic projects, Paris 75 Image preserves moments that become part of cultural history.

Through photography, filmmaking and editorial storytelling, the company records encounters between artists, institutions and historical places, creating an archive designed to endure far beyond the events themselves.

The 2026 Bastille Day celebration at the French Embassy in Lisbon now becomes another chapter in that mission.

Gusttavo Henry Borges Tomasini

Marianne Belongs to the World: O Gringo’s Contemporary Vision