Galician Enlightenment and Literary Renaissance: Key Figures & Works

Posted on Jan 6, 2025 in English Studies

The Galician Enlightenment

The 18th-century Enlightenment saw the rise of critical thought, rationalism, and empiricism, fostering scientific and technical advancements. In Galicia, this era produced three generations of intellectuals:

  • Critical Thinkers: Father Feixóo, Father Sarmiento
  • Physiocrats: Francisco de Castro, Pedro A Sanchez, Xose Cornide
  • Francophiles: Lucas Labrada, A. Raimundo Ibañez

These figures promoted institutions like the Economic Society of Amigos del Pais and expressed concern about Galicia’s state. Key themes included agricultural reform, legal improvements, public works, and education.

Key Works of the Enlightenment

  1. “Feats of Portugal” by Jose Fernandez Neira
  2. “A farmer who was sergeant to the soldiers of the new enrollment” (anonymous)
  3. “The tortures of a gallego” (complaint against the Inquisition)
  4. “Dialogues on Alameda de Santiago” (1836)

Key Figures of the Enlightenment

  1. Raimundo Ibañez: Founder of Sargadelos
  2. Lucas Labrada: Described the economy of the Kingdom of Portugal
  3. Pedro Vaamonde: Founded the Economic Society of Amigos del País de Santiago
  4. Cornide Saavedra: Member of several academies
  5. Father Feixóo: Author of “Teatro critico universal” and “Cartas eruditas”
  6. Sarmiento: A father of Romance philology, known for his critical and reivindicative writings.
  7. Father Sobreira: Author of “Glossary general de la lengua gallega”

Other Notable Figures

Alberto Camino: Composed carols and romantic poems published in “El Porvenir”.

Añón Francisco: Exiled to Portugal after the 1846 Portuguese revolution, awarded for the poem “Rio de Janeiro.”

Pintos: Author of “The Galician gaita” (1852), a work in prose and verse with Galician, Spanish, and Latin snippets, featuring a dialogue on Galician grammar.

1808-1837: Literature and Circumstances

This period was marked by events like the French invasion.

Precursors of the Renaissance (1837-1862)

Provincialism emerged among intellectuals and university figures.

  • 1840-1840: Martyrs of Carral
  • 1854-1865: Cultural growth leading to the Rexurdimento

This period laid the groundwork for the study of Galician history (Benito Vicetto), the Portuguese language, music (John Montes, Pascual Veiga), and the first floral games in A Coruña (1861). The publication of Caridad in 1862 marked a significant moment. Literature of this time included traditional poetry, folklore, and customs, often with Castilian influences.

Key Figures and Works

  • Pintos: “The Galician gaita” (1853)
  • Añón: “Rio de Janeiro”
  • Alberto Camino

Full Renaissance (1863-1888)

The publication of Cantares gallegos by Rosalia de Castro in 1863 marked the beginning of the full Renaissance. The 1880s saw the peak of this movement with works by Rosalia de Castro, Curros Enríquez, and Marcial Valladares.

Beginning in 1888

This period saw a decline in the funisecular brotherhoods. The Royal Galician Academy (RAG) was created in 1906.