Baron of Rio Branco, then Minister of Foreign Affairs, writes a reminder on his business card.

• Official business card, in French, of the Baron of Rio Branco, written in his own handwriting.
• 8.8 cm x 5 cm.
• France, between 1902 and 1912.
• Excellent condition.
• Unique piece.
  

This visiting card belonged to Baron Rio Branco during his term as Brazilian Minister of Foreign Affairs (1902–1912), as indicated by the printed title in French: "Ministre des Relations Extérieures". He lived for several years in France, represented Brazil at international events in Paris, and remained in office until his death in 1912. As chancellor, based in Rio de Janeiro, he played a key role in Brazilian diplomacy, securing the country's borders and strengthening its position on the international stage.

This is an official card, but he himself reused it to write personal or professional notes in blue ink, covering the front and back with a quick and intense handwriting. The handwritten content, although difficult to decipher in its entirety, seems to contain reminders of appointments and diplomatic actions to be taken: times, names of people (such as “Lee”), words such as “return”, “send”, “gift” and mentions of a possible “weekly”. Everything indicates that this is a note for momentary use, written in the heat of the moment, perhaps during meetings or between dispatches, as a reminder to himself or an assistant.

This short document reveals the human and practical side of Baron Rio Branco, a man totally dedicated to his role. By reusing his own business card as a notepad, he shows not only a sense of urgency and pragmatism, but also the degree of personal involvement with the details of his diplomatic mission. It is a modest but powerful piece that brings us closer to the intense routine of one of the greatest statesmen in the history of Brazil.