At the close of the European Renaissance, when intellectual curiosity and scientific inquiry were flourishing, Luís de Camões, Portugal’s most celebrated poet, lived a life marked by travel and exploration.
To commemorate the 500th anniversary of Camões’ birth, the Gaudium Magnum Foundation and the Hispanic Society Museum and Library are strengthening their partnership through a public program of events. It comprises an exhibition featuring a selection of rare books related to Luís de Camões and a symposium highlighting the major contributions of European humanists and artists to the cultural dynamics of the sixteenth century.
His writings were deeply influenced by his experiences as a navigator for the Portuguese empire. Camões’ most renowned work, the epic poem “Os Lusiadas”, published in 1572, immortalizes Vasco da Gama’s historic discovery of the sea route to India. This seminal text, considered the most important work in Portuguese literature, masterfully recounts the journeys of Vasco da Gama, as well as those of Pero da Covilha and Afonso de Paiva.
“Metamorphoses: the shape of books and the fortune of texts”
A book exhibition curated by Isabel Almeida to be displayed in the Sorolla Gallery.
The goal of this exhibition is twofold. First, it showcases the eloquence of printed books’ materiality by presenting The Lusiads in both the monumental scale of Faria e Sousa’s edition and the small, portable format of Craesbeck’s typography. Second, it offers visitors a glimpse into the legacy of Camões’ work by highlighting translations from the 16th century (all printed in Spain) and the 17th century. This exhibition also allows visitors to observe the forms and rhythms of censorship during these periods.
“Who are you?”
A didactic and accessible exhibition for visitors unfamiliar with Camões but eager to learn about his life and work. The information is presented at the courtyard kiosks, drawing inspiration from a passage in “Luísadas” (V, 49), highlighting one of the poem’s central themes: humanity’s insatiable thirst for knowledge.
The exhibition will be on view on Lower Audubon Terrace from April 10th to June 15th, 2025.
“Camões: No poet is an island”
A symposium took place on October 1st that aimed to show that this famous poet — a symbol of a changing world – spoke to all eras and that his words deserve global recognition. Contextualizing Camões offers an opportunity to delve into the cultural dynamics of the sixteenth century and to highlight the significant contributions of European humanists and artists during this fascinating period.
The invited guests were:
- David Kenneth Jackson, Lecturer in Portuguese at Yale University
- Joaquim Oliveira Caetano, Director of the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga (Portuguese Museum of Ancient Art)
- Josiah Blackmore, Chair Department of Romance Languages and Literatures, Nancy Clark Smith Professor of the Language and Literature of Portugal
- José Miguel Martínez Torrejón, Distinguished Professor at Queens College
- Isabel Almeida, Associate Professor Faculdade de Letras, Lisbon University
- Henrique Leitão, Provost and Senior Researcher, University of Lisbon
The symposium was held on October 1st from 10 am to 5 pm, featuring morning and afternoon sessions that conclude with a lively debate and Q&A.
A recording of the programming will soon be released.
The Gaudium Magnum Foundation is a nonprofit based in Lisbon, Portugal, dedicated to supporting culture, education, and research while actively participating in charitable initiatives. The foundation invests in culture, leveraging its remarkable ability to build bridges and foster dialogue, and acting as an ambassador of Portugal’s national cultural heritage.
Founded by Maria and João Cortez de Lobão in 2018, the foundation supports museums, research, and education centers, promoting projects that highlight the value of cross-cultural exchange in shaping national cultural identities during the Early Modern age, with a special emphasis on Portugal’s role on the global stage. It encourages inter-institutional partnerships and manages a growing collection of European old master works, which is available for lending.
