# Mário de Andrade > Brazilian writer, musicologist and photographer (1893–1945) **Wikidata**: [Q203623](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q203623) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mário_de_Andrade) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mario-de-andrade ## Summary Mário de Andrade was a Brazilian writer, musicologist, photographer, journalist, poet, art critic, novelist, and pianist (1893-1945). He is most renowned for his 1928 novel "Macunaíma," which became a landmark of Brazilian modernism and established him as a pivotal figure in Latin American literature. ## Biography - Born: October 9, 1893 - Nationality: Brazil - Education: Not specified in source material - Known for: Writing "Macunaíma" (1928), a seminal work of Brazilian modernism - Employer(s): Federal University of Rio de Janeiro - Field(s): Literature, musicology, photography, journalism, poetry, art criticism ## Contributions Mário de Andrade authored "Macunaíma" in 1928, a novel that revolutionized Brazilian literature by incorporating Afro-Brazilian and Indigenous elements into modernist prose. As a musicologist, he conducted significant research into Brazilian folk music, preserving and documenting traditional sounds that might otherwise have been lost. In photography, his work captured cultural and social aspects of Brazil during his lifetime. Additionally, he served as a journalist, art critic, and poet, contributing extensively to Brazil's cultural landscape during the early 20th century. His work helped establish a distinctly Brazilian modernist identity that broke away from European influences. ## FAQs What is Macunaíma and why is it significant? Macunaíma is Mário de Andrade's 1928 novel, considered a masterpiece of Brazilian modernist literature. It features an anti-heroic Indigenous protagonist and blends folk tales with modernist techniques, creating a uniquely Brazilian narrative that challenged literary conventions of the time. What awards did Mário de Andade receive during his career? Mário de Andrade received the Legion of Honour, the Prêmio Jabuti literary award, and the Order of Cultural Merit from Brazil. These recognitions highlight his contributions to Brazilian culture and literature. What institutions was Mário de Andrade associated with? Mário de Andrade was affiliated with the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, where he worked during his career. The Mário de Andrade Library in São Paulo city is named in his honor, reflecting his lasting cultural impact. ## Why They Matter Mário de Andrade fundamentally reshaped Brazilian literature and culture by introducing modernist aesthetics that incorporated local traditions and indigenous elements. His work helped create a distinct Brazilian cultural identity that celebrated the country's diversity rather than simply imitating European models. As a musicologist, he preserved Brazil's rich folk music heritage that might have been lost with modernization. His multidisciplinary approach—influencing literature, music, photography, and journalism—established him as a foundational figure in Brazilian cultural history whose impact continues to influence contemporary Brazilian artists and intellectuals. ## Notable For - Author of "Macunaíma" (1928), a foundational text of Brazilian modernism - Pioneering musicologist who documented Brazilian folk music traditions - Recipient of the Legion of Honour, France's highest order of merit - Recipient of the Prêmio Jabuti, Brazil's prestigious literary award - Honored with Brazil's Order of Cultural Merit for his contributions to arts - Pioneering Brazilian photographer capturing early 20th century Brazilian culture - Affiliated with the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro throughout his career - Inspiration for the Mário de Andrade Library in São Paulo, Brazil ## Body ### Early Life and Background Mário de Andrade, born Mário Raul de Morais Andrade on October 9, 1893, was a Brazilian national who later adopted the pseudonym Robert Philippe Laurent Andrade. His life spanned from the late Brazilian Empire period through the early republican era, witnessing significant transformations in Brazilian society and culture. Though details of his education are not specified in the source material, his career would eventually encompass multiple disciplines including literature, musicology, photography, journalism, and art criticism. ### Literary Career and Major Works Mário de Andrade's most significant contribution to Brazilian literature came with his 1928 novel "Macunaíma," which revolutionized Brazilian modernist writing. This novel established him as a pioneering figure in Latin American literature by creating an anti-heroic Indigenous protagonist and blending traditional folk elements with modernist narrative techniques. The work represented a significant departure from European-influenced Brazilian literature, instead embracing Brazil's cultural diversity and creating a uniquely national literary voice. ### Musicological Contributions Beyond literature, Andrade made substantial contributions to Brazilian musicology. As a musicologist, he dedicated significant efforts to documenting and preserving Brazil's rich folk music traditions. His research captured sounds and musical practices that might otherwise have been lost with modernization, helping to establish Brazil's musical heritage as a subject of serious academic study. This work positioned him as an important figure in the preservation of Brazilian cultural identity during a period of rapid modernization. ### Photographic Work Mário de Andrade also distinguished himself as a photographer, capturing cultural and social aspects of Brazil during his lifetime. His photographic work documented Brazil in the early 20th century, providing valuable visual records of the country's transformation period. This multidisciplinary approach demonstrated his commitment to documenting Brazilian culture through multiple artistic mediums. ### Journalism and Critical Writing As a journalist and art critic, Andrade contributed extensively to Brazil's cultural discourse. His journalistic work involved collecting, writing, and distributing news and cultural information, while his criticism provided evaluation and analysis of artistic works. These roles allowed him to shape cultural conversations and influence artistic directions in Brazil during his career. ### Academic Affiliation Throughout his professional life, Mário de Andrade was associated with the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, where he worked and contributed to academic and cultural programs. This affiliation connected him to Brazil's educational system and allowed him to influence future generations of Brazilian intellectuals and artists. ### Recognition and Honors Andrade received significant recognition for his contributions to Brazilian culture. He was honored with the Legion of Honour, France's highest order of merit, acknowledging his international cultural significance. In Brazil, he received both the Prêmio Jabuti literary award and the Order of Cultural Merit, demonstrating the nation's appreciation for his multifaceted artistic contributions. ### Legacy and Cultural Impact Mário de Andrade's legacy extends through various cultural institutions named in his honor. The Mário de Andrade Library in São Paulo stands as a testament to his lasting impact on Brazilian culture. His work helped establish a distinctly Brazilian modernist identity that continues to influence contemporary Brazilian artists and intellectuals. By incorporating diverse cultural elements—particularly Afro-Brazilian and Indigenous influences—into his work, he helped create a more inclusive and representative Brazilian cultural narrative. ### Death and Historical Context Mário de Andrade passed away on February 25, 1945, at the relatively young age of 51. His death occurred during a transformative period in Brazilian history, as the country navigated its identity as a modern nation while maintaining its unique cultural traditions. Despite his relatively short career, his impact on Brazilian culture and literature has been profound and enduring, solidifying his position as one of Brazil's most important cultural figures of the 20th century. ## References 1. Nouveau Dictionnaire des auteurs de tous les temps et de tous les pays 2. BnF authorities 3. [Source](http://epoca.globo.com/vida/noticia/2015/06/exclusivo-carta-em-que-mario-de-andrade-fala-de-sua-homossexualidade.html) 4. [Source](https://www.prefeitura.sp.gov.br/cidade/upload/cemiterio%20mapa%20baixa_1219246518.pdf) 5. Léonore database 6. International Standard Name Identifier 7. Virtual International Authority File 8. MusicBrainz 9. [Source](http://www.abmusica.org.br/academico.php?id=888) 10. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 11. SNAC 12. Enciclopédia Itaú Cultural 13. International Music Score Library Project 14. Internet Speculative Fiction Database 15. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie 16. Artists of the World Online 17. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana 18. Babelio 19. Proleksis Encyclopedia 20. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 21. [Source](https://lccn.loc.gov/n50021546) 22. Goodreads 23. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line 24. Enciclopedia Treccani 25. The Movie Database 26. LIBRIS. 2012 27. authority file of the National Library of Uruguay