Handwritten letter from Ruy Barbosa (1883)
Handwritten letter from Ruy Barbosa (1883)
Free shipping
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Digital Warranty ©
Couldn't load pickup availability
> This item is no longer in the catalog, see available documents here <
In 1883, Ruy Barbosa, at the height of his political activity, spoke with his cousin about medical matters.
- Handwritten letter from Ruy Barbosa to Antonio de Araujo Ferreira Jacobina.
- One sheet, two pages and the original envelope.
- 21.5 cm x 26.8 cm
- In Portuguese.
- Sao Paulo, November 28, 1883.
- Good condition of conservation.
- Unique piece.
The history of Brazil is full of iconic figures who shaped the country's course. Among them, Ruy Barbosa (1849-1923) stands out, a multifaceted personality who played a crucial role in Brazilian politics during the late Empire and early Republic.
He contributed greatly to the drafting of the first Republican Constitution, establishing principles such as the separation of powers, the democratic rule of law, individual guarantees against state arbitrariness and the supremacy of the Constitution, in addition to strengthening the role of the Supreme Federal Court. For all these reasons, he is considered the patron saint of Brazilian lawyers.
In general, Barbosa understood the need for a modern country to be more egalitarian. He is well known for being one of the leaders of the abolitionist movement, with an essential role in the drafting of the Lei Áurea (Golden Law), but, in my opinion, he was also very decisive for Brazil in the field of education.
He defended free public education, which he considered the main instrument for the country's development. He also created the Ministry of Education, secularized education, made primary education compulsory, created normal schools for teacher training, among other initiatives.
In this long letter, written from the Polytechnic School of São Paulo, with the court stamp, Barbosa appears to report that he underwent surgery and mentions a medical treatment and a therapeutic formula, but it was not possible to understand the context.
The recipient is Antonio de Araujo Ferreira Jacobina (1829-1896), also an intellectual and cousin of Barbosa, another educator who created an innovative method of teaching reading.
This long letter dates from 1883, a very intense period for Ruy Barbosa, who was engaged in educational reform and the debate on the abolition of slavery, among other issues. I also liked his name printed and his signature at the bottom of the second page.
Ruy Barbosa, from Bahia, is one of the greatest personalities of Brazil and, one hundred years after his death, continues to influence the country's legal and political thinking. His thoughts remain relevant to the current situation in Brazil, a country that needs to learn to be committed to fundamental rights, the functioning of the Republic and the autonomy of its powers and democratic institutions.
Letters from Barbosa appear very rarely on the market, almost all of them are preserved by the Fundação Casa de Ruy Barbosa.

Frequently asked questions about the GLÒRIAS COLLECTION
Is there a physical store where I can see the items in person?
No. Glórias operates exclusively online because we serve collectors throughout Brazil and also abroad. If you wish to examine an item before purchase, we will be happy to send high-resolution photographs or additional information. Our team is located in Belo Horizonte (MG).
Do the items sold come with a certificate of authenticity?
Yes. All items available at Glórias have been carefully selected, studied, and certified before being offered for sale. Each purchase comes with a digital certificate of authenticity and guarantee, which we send via email. It is signed and stamped by Mathias Meyer, a French autograph expert since 2010 and a member of the ILAB (International League of Antiquarian Booksellers).
Who selects and certifies the items sold?
All items are selected and certified by Mathias Meyer, a French specialist in autographs, manuscripts, and historical documents since 2010. Throughout his career, he has studied thousands of pieces related to Brazilian history, sports, science, literature, and arts, and is now a member of ILAB (International League of Antiquarian Booksellers) and founder of Glórias.
How do I make a purchase?
You can purchase directly from the Glórias website, 24 hours a day, quickly and securely. If you prefer personalized service or have questions before purchasing, you can also contact us by email at contato@glorias.com.br or by WhatsApp at +55 (31) 98221-5758.
What are the payment methods?
We accept payment via Pix or bank transfer, both with a 3% discount for upfront payment, as well as credit card in up to 3 interest-free installments, offering convenience and security for customers across Brazil.
Can I pay for my purchase in installments?
Yes. You can pay in full via Pix or bank transfer with a 3% discount, or pay in up to 3 interest-free installments by credit card, with immediate shipping after payment confirmation. It is also possible to pay in up to 10 installments via Pix; in this case, shipping will be carried out after the full payment of the purchase.
Can I ask for a discount?
We offer a 3% discount for payments made in full (via Pix or bank transfer) or the option to pay in up to 3 interest-free installments by credit card. Furthermore, the prices of our pieces are carefully determined based on international market supply and demand, the specific characteristics of each item, and sales results of similar pieces. For this reason, we typically do not grant additional discounts. However, if you wish to purchase multiple pieces or make an exceptionally high-value purchase, we would be pleased to consider a special commercial arrangement.
How is delivery made? What will I receive?
Delivery time varies approximately from 1 to 10 business days, depending on the recipient's location. In Brazil, we mainly use SEDEX, and for international shipments, FedEx. The document is placed in an elegant laid paper folder and sent in completely discreet packaging. The digital certificate of authenticity and guarantee is sent by email, in PDF format, for security reasons. Shipping is free throughout Brazil. For international shipments, the shipping cost is a fixed R$ 500.00.
Can I return my purchase?
Yes. For online purchases, the Consumer Protection Code guarantees the right of withdrawal within 7 days of receiving the item. If you are not satisfied, simply contact us and we will respond promptly to find the best solution, which may include a full refund after the return and verification of the item.
What warranties come with the items?
All items sold by Glórias have a permanent guarantee against eventual certification errors, provided that such error is subsequently demonstrated and confirmed by Mathias Meyer. In this event, the buyer will be fully reimbursed. To date, this situation has never occurred. The guarantee does not cover natural alterations or damage caused by improper storage, exposure to light, humidity, insects, or any other external factor that may compromise the preservation of the paper or ink.
Can I resell this piece in the future?
Yes. Should you wish to sell your piece in the future, please contact us. We will be happy to guide you and help you find a new collector, either through a direct sale or through a specialized auction organized by Glórias.
How can I add value to my collection?
If your goal is to go beyond an isolated purchase, the ideal is to build a coherent collection around a theme, a personality, or a historical period, such as aviation pioneers, women who made history, love letters, old photographs of Rio de Janeiro, Oscar Niemeyer, Pelé, or Ayrton Senna. Mathias Meyer can guide you in forming a consistent collection, according to your interests, objectives, and budget.
How should I store my document or autograph?
To preserve your document in the best condition, we recommend against laminating it or keeping it permanently framed, as paper needs to breathe and prolonged exposure to light can accelerate its deterioration. Ideally, store it in a dry, dark, and clean place, protected from humidity, extreme temperatures, dust, and insects, ensuring its preservation for many decades.
Why aren't these pieces in museums?
Throughout history, much of the world's documentary heritage has been preserved thanks to private collectors and dealers. These enthusiasts of historical documents play a fundamental role in the discovery, study, and preservation of pieces that can later be loaned, donated, or sold to museums and other institutions. In Brazil, where many museums have limited financial resources and staff, this collaboration is even more important. Glórias maintains relationships with public institutions, museums, and researchers, both in Brazil and abroad, sharing discoveries, knowledge, and, in some cases, documents for exhibitions.
Can I offer you a part to buy?
With pleasure. The first step is to conduct a preliminary assessment, which will determine the level of authenticity, market value, and the best strategy for your piece. Depending on the outcome, there are several possibilities, such as direct sale, consignment, or a specialized auction.
Where do the parts sold by Glórias come from?
Every document has a unique story. Most of the pieces offered by Glórias were inherited from families who contacted us, while others were acquired at auctions, where they were poorly identified or undervalued, or came from antique dealers, collectors, or companies. Behind every rare document there is a singular trajectory, which makes collecting a fascinating way to preserve and transmit history.
Assine nossa newsletter
Achamos tesouros todo mês. Seja o primeiro a saber.