Postcards by Jose Francisco Borges

These charming Virgin of Guadalupe postcards. were created from wood cuts by Jose Francisco Borges, Brazil's best-known folk artist working in the wood-cut medium whose work has been exhibited all over the world.

His work represents the popular themes of the everyday people and life of Brazil.

"I was born in the countryside in Pernambuco (Brazil), on December 20, 1935. My father was a farmer and I helped him farm the land from the age of eight. It was not until the age of twelve that I attended school for the first time, but for just ten months when the only teacher moved away. The day I could write my name and read was a big event.

"In 1952, due to a drought, my family moved to a city. I was then seventeen and have worked as a carpenter, peddler, wall painter, potter, and more.

"Looking back at those years, I feel very grateful for what life has given me. For a very simple man with only ten months of schooling, being recognized and honored in Brazil and elsewhere was incredible.  From his biography at the Smithsonian Institution's Folklife Festival.

• Sold in sets of 5
• 6" x 4 1/4"
• Printed in the US