Orville Derby in the Revista do Instituto Histórico e Geográfico de São Paulo and the construction of the image of the bandeirante (1895-1907)

• Grant number: 11/13240-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): January 01, 2012
• Effective date (End): December 31, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - History - History of Brazil
• Principal Investigator: Jaime Rodrigues
• Grantee: Philippe Arthur dos Reis
• Host Institution: Escola de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas (EFLCH). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Guarulhos. Guarulhos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The historical production of the "bandeirismo", particularly as it approaches the construction of the image of "pioneer epic" has been very developed over an extended period. Most scholars reflect on ways of using the heroic figure of the "bandeirante", mainly between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. We can see the movement of the historiography in the theme, especially in the process of formation and the agents involved. Founded in the late 19th century, the Instituto Histórico e Geográfico de São Paulo would have a decisive influence on the construction and legitimation of the "bandeirante" symbol. As a scientific institution, it shared the belief that science could play an active role in the development of São Paulo, and thus the desired political and cultural influence of the state through the federation of the Republic. This role is empirically verifiable in its publications; particularly in the journal published one year after the founding of the IHGSP, in 1895. Orville Adelbert Derby, one of the founders of the institution, would be relevant for the large number of articles published in the journal. Thus, the analysis of its historical scripts will allow a better understanding of the historiographical discussion about the time of the "bandeirismo", which does not exist only in the best-known authors but includes those who are not dedicated exclusively to the production of historical narratives, such as the author concerned.(AU)