Brazil Imagined: 1500 to the Present

by Darlene J. Sadlier

The first comprehensive cultural history of Brazil to be written in English, Brazil 1500 to the Present captures the role of the artistic imaginary in shaping Brazil's national identity. Analyzing representations of Brazil throughout the world, this ambitious survey demonstrates the ways in which life in one of the world's largest nations has been conceived and revised in visual arts, literature, film, and a variety of other media. Beginning with the first explorations of Brazil by the Portuguese, Darlene J. Sadlier incorporates extensive source material, including paintings, historiographies, letters, poetry, novels, architecture, and mass media to trace the nation's shifting sense of its own history. Topics include the oscillating themes of Edenic and cannibal encounters, Dutch representations of Brazil, regal constructs, the literary imaginary, Modernist utopias, "good neighbor" protocols, and filmmakers' revolutionary and dystopian images of Brazil. A magnificent panoramic study of race, imperialism, natural resources, and other themes in the Brazilian experience, this landmark work is a boon to the field.

Genres: History

408 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2008

Reviews

[Logan Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweeping look at various artworks from Brazilians and foreigners that have come to shape Brazil and the way it is seen by Brazilians and outsiders alike. As other readers have mentioned, Sadlier's descriptions of narratives, films, and TV shows can be tedious at times. However, the fact that this still stands as one of the most comprehensive studies of Brazilian art and culture written in English cannot be understated or under-appreciated. I would recommend this to anyone looking to broaden their understanding of Brazilian art and culture. It is over 10 years old at this point and a revision would do wonders.

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative, although reading some of the recaps of films and books were a bit tedious at times. I do think that it deserves a higher rating, though, since this currently is the best comprehensive discussion of Brazilian culture in the English language. I did like the discussion of earlier film stars (like Carmen Miranda) and bossa nova music, as well as some earlier discussions of colonial history.

However, there are some points about Brazilian art that do not coincide with current art historical scholarship, including an interpretation of the watercolors by Carlos Julião and the description of the Congonhas do Campo complex (where Aleijadinho's "statues" are located).