The construction of a scientific biography: João Barbosa Rodrigues, a 19th-century naturalist

Abstract

Abstract The well-known Brazilian naturalist, João Barbosa Rodrigues, was a typical representative of the 19th-century illustrated man who belonged to the Imperial court of Rio de Janeiro. Based on earlier findings I showed the role of the baron Guilherme Schuch de Capanema in shaping Barbosa Rodrigues’ scientific career. Through new evidences of his international dialogue, I analyze how Barbosa Rodrigues successfully self-fashioned himself as a legitimate man of Science according to the patterns and profiles presented at the Brazilian society at that time.

Keywords

• Anders Regnell
• baron of Capanema
• botany
• iconography of orchids
• scientific career
• scientific network