Short answers, pulled from the story.
Vasco Fernandes was born around 1475 and died between late 1542 and early 1543. Historical records do not document his exact birth date, but financial references from 1501 and 1502 confirm he was already working as a painter in Viseu by that time.
The precise place where Vasco Fernandes learned painting remains unknown due to missing biographical records. He likely acquired skills in Lisbon like other painters of his era since no grand master preceded him in Viseu to teach him directly.
Two paintings form the safe base for identifying Grão Vasco's creative process: the Lamentation with Franciscan Saints dating from roughly 1520 and the Pentecost altarpiece painted in 1535. The Pentecost altarpiece remains in the sacristy of the Igreja de Santa Cruz de Coimbra while the Lamentation now resides at the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga.
Gaspar Vaz stands out as the most important collaborator born in Viseu who frequently worked alongside Grão Vasco. Their partnership transformed the center into one of Portugal's major production hubs and ensured continuity even after the master's death.
Dom Miguel da Silva held office from 1525 until 1540 and commissioned five great altarpieces for the cathedral including Saint Peter. This patron initiated a decisive shift when he arrived from Rome that moved Vasco Fernandes aesthetic development from Nordic influences toward Italianate styles.