This Saturday, author Paulo Rezzutti will give the lecture “Dom Pedro I, Between Absolutism and Liberalism” at the Maria Luísa and Oscar Americano Foundation. The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The talk invites the public to reflect on the monarch’s political tensions and dilemmas during the old regime.
The event is part of a series of lectures and exhibitions held at the foundation during commemorative periods. This one, for example, is related to the bicentennial of the death of Dom João IV. They usually take place on weekend mornings, and tickets are sold online through the official platform.
What to expect from the lecture “D. Pedro I, between Absolutism and Liberalism”
A leading authority on Brazilian history, Paulo Rezzutti has already published biographies of important figures from the period of the Brazilian monarchy. The titles tell the stories of Dom Pedro I, his successor Dom Pedro II, the Marquise of Santos, and Dom João VI.
Winner of the Jabuti Prize for Literature, Rezzutti also works as a curator and consultant for exhibitions and audiovisual works. His partnership with the foundation helps foster discussions about Brazil’s past. In addition to directing the public’s interest toward the site’shistorical collection .
This time, the theme revolves around Dom Pedro I, exploring everything from his birth and upbringing to his rise to power. During the presentation, Paulo offers reflections on his childhood spent under the old regime and the expectations placed on him regarding the succession to the throne.
Especially when the world was experiencing a new era in terms of political ideas, with new movements inspired by the French and American Revolutions. Even Brazil was undergoing ideological transformations of an emancipatory nature, such as the Inconfidência Mineira.
The discussion also addresses how these new perspectives influenced Dom Pedro I and his government. During the independence process, he aligned himself with them. Based on the premise of “public happiness, ” which gave the people access to rights and opportunities to live with greater well-being and dignity.
Between Father and Son: Exhibition on Dom João VI
Directly addressing the theme of the lecture, the exhibition “Dom João VI – A King Between Two Continents” is also curated by Paulo Rezzutti. Overall, the collection tells the story of Dom João VIand his importance in the history of Brazil.
In commemoration of the 200th anniversary of his death, the exhibition focuses on his role in Brazil’semancipation and its autonomy. Even though the monarch still had strong ties to Portugal. In addition, it highlights his career and actions during his reign.
The temporary exhibition will be open to visitors until August 28, 2026. Tickets start at R$ 20, and admission is free on Tuesdays.