A A canvas by Henrique Bernardelli and the Greeks:

literary, philosophical and historical readings of O chefe dos bandeirantes

Abstract

The present article proposes to make a reading of Henrique Bernardelli’s painting “O chefe dos bandeirantes”, based on a reflection that relates literary, philosophical and historical aspects. We will make an interpretation that relates the painting to the culture and thought of the ancient Greeks. I refer specifically to the works: “A república” by Plato, the “Ilíada” by Homer and the life and philosophy of Diogenes of Sinope, narrated in “A vida e doutrina dos filósofos ilustres”, by Diogenes Laertius. Based on these works, we can better understand how Bernardelli represents the relationship between indigenous and pioneers people, apprehend some meanings attributed to the dog present in the painting, and thus raise emerging questions on the borders between literature, philosophical thought, and History.