Written by: Emma Thompson

VICTORIA OCAMPO: THE VOICE OF SOUTH AMERICAN INTELLECTUALISM

Victoria Ocampo, the Argentine writer, intellectual, and advocate, left an indelible mark on the literary world as the publisher of the iconic magazine Sur, and as a prominent figure in South American intellectual circles. Born in 1890, Ocampo's life was a testament to her unwavering passion for literature, her unrelenting pursuit of knowledge, and her unshakeable commitment to promoting the works of others.

A LIFE OF LETTERS

Ocampo's writing career spanned over five decades, during which she penned numerous books, articles, and essays that showcased her exceptional literary talent. Her first book, De Francesca à Béatrice, a commentary on Dante's Divine Comedy, was written in French and published in 1923. This was followed by a string of notable works, including Domingos en Hyde Park, El Hamlet de Laurence Olivier, and Emily Brontë: Terra incógnita.

THE SUR YEARS

In 1931, Ocampo founded the literary magazine Sur, which would go on to become a beacon of intellectualism in South America. The magazine provided a platform for writers, thinkers, and artists to express themselves freely, and its impact on the region's literary landscape was immense. Through Sur, Ocampo championed the works of both established and emerging writers, cementing her reputation as a visionary and a dedicated advocate for the arts.

A LIFE OF PERSONAL AND INTELLECTUAL CURIOSITY

Ocampo's life was marked by a sense of adventure and intellectual curiosity. She was known for her audacious spirit, which led her to audit lectures at the Sorbonne and the Collège de France during her family's 1906-1907 trip to Paris. Her experiences in France, particularly her encounters with Henri Bergson's lectures, had a profound impact on her intellectual development.

AWARD AND HONORS

Ocampo's contributions to literature were recognized with several awards and honors, including a nomination for the 1970 Nobel Prize in Literature. This recognition was a testament to her tireless efforts to promote literary excellence and her unwavering commitment to the advancement of intellectual pursuits.

LEGACY

Victoria Ocampo's legacy extends far beyond her own remarkable achievements. She inspired generations of writers, thinkers, and intellectuals, and her work continues to be a source of inspiration for scholars and readers around the world. Her commitment to promoting the works of others, her passion for knowledge, and her unwavering dedication to intellectual pursuits have created a lasting impact on the literary world.

SELECT QUOTES

• "The alphabet book in which I learned to read was French, as was the hand that taught me to draw those first letters."
• "I have always thought that a truly cultivated person is one who has learned to think, and not one who has merely learned to remember."

FUN FACTS

• Ocampo's sister, Silvina Ocampo, was also a writer.
• Paul César Helleu etched Ocampo's portrait during her family's 1906-1907 trip to Paris.