Book Launch of “Exemplary Novels”, by Miguel de Cervantes, with original drawings by Vânia Mignone and exhibition

Before the publishing of the second part of Don Quixote, in 1613, Miguel de Cervantes launched another adventure: Exemplary Novels, which is now published in Brazil by Cosac Naify with original illustrations by Vânia Mignone (b. 1967, Campinas). The launching of the book is accompanied by an exhibition of the original drawings by the artist at Casa Triângulo.

As a literary genre the novel already existed, but as Cervantes noted himself, he was the first to try it in Spain. He explored all of the possibilities of the genre, aiming to establish a realist pattern, narrating the everyday life of the Spanish people that could be seen from the windows of a house. It is interesting to note how, even as the offspring of a male chauvinist society, Cervantes knew the feminine pain and painted intelligent and spiritual women, whilst others only wanted them beautiful and submissive. It is exemplary how he, a man of satirical temper, has managed to mislead censorship, allowing amongst rhapsodies to kings and to the Church his violent and sensual, con and greedy country, to become visible; rape for instance, was naturally accepted, and marriage was the only sign of respect to women.

The event begins at noon and ends at 5 pm.