A Polymath of Brazilian Letters and Arts
Jorge de Lima was a multifaceted Brazilian figure whose life spanned the realms of medicine, politics, and the arts. Born in União dos Palmares, Brazil, he pursued medical studies in Salvador and completed his training in Rio de Janeiro. While he practiced as a physician and served as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Alagoas, his heart often turned toward the written word and the canvas. His literary journey began with the publication of Alexandrians XIV, and he eventually transitioned from composing in Alexandrine form to becoming a modernist. His diverse occupations included roles as a writer, painter, translator, politician, physician, poet, novelist, biographer, essayist, and painter.
Literary and Visual Pursuits
Throughout his career, Lima engaged deeply with both literature and the visual arts. In Rio de Janeiro, his office served as both a professional space and an art studio, acting as a gathering point for various intellectuals. His literary contributions were vast, including the publication of ten books and several collections of poetry, such as his significant epic work, Invention of Orpheus. In 1935, his conversion to Roman Catholicism began to influence the themes of his poetry. Later in life, specifically in 1939, he chose to dedicate more time to the visual arts and participated in various exhibitions. He passed away in Rio de Janeiro.
