António Nobre
António Nobre was a prominent Portuguese poet born in 1867 in Porto to a wealthy family. Although he studied law at Coimbra University, he did not complete his degree and instead moved to Paris, where he studied political science and was significantly influenced by French symbolist poets. During his time in Paris from 1890 to 1895, he published his only book of poetry, titled *Só*, in 1892. This collection marked a significant departure from traditional realism in Portuguese poetry, blending simple lyricism with symbolism and drawing inspiration from Nobre's childhood memories in northern Portugal. *Só* gained immense popularity and became a foundational work for subsequent poets, leading to the emergence of the Sosino Generation, who sought to emulate his style. Unfortunately, Nobre's life was cut short when he contracted tuberculosis in his late twenties. He spent his final years traveling in search of a more favorable climate for his health, eventually returning to Portugal, where he passed away on March 18, 1900, at the young age of thirty-two.
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António Nobre
Poet
- Born: August 16, 1867
- Birthplace: Porto, Portugal
- Died: March 18, 1900
- Place of death: Foz do Douro, Portugal
Biography
António Nobre, a nineteenth century poet, was born into a wealthy family in Porto, Portugal, in 1867. For a brief time, Nobre studied law at Coimbra University but was unable to earn a degree. After failing twice at Coimbra University, Nobre moved to Paris, France, where he studied political science.
Nobre remained in Paris from 1890 to 1895. While there, he was greatly influenced by the French symbolist poets and began writing his only book of poetry published in his lifetime. This work, titled Só, was published in 1892. Só, inspired by Nobre’s childhood memories in northern Portugal, combined simple lyricism with symbolism. Só was the first Portuguese poetic work to depart from traditional realism and provide an aesthetic point of view. This work became one of the most popular and imitated works in Portugal. Nobre’s unique approach to writing poetry inspired the generation of poets who followed him, known as the Sosino Generation, to emulate his writing.
In his late twenties, Nobre contracted tuberculosis. He spent the remainder of his years traveling, trying to find a favorable climate to ease his condition. After attempting to recover in Switzerland and the United States, Nobre returned to Portugal to die. Nobre died on March 18, 1900, at the age of thirty-two.