Rui Galdino: uma iconografia familiar

Abstract

Genealogy is, among the branches of history, the one that especially refers to families, studying their origins, showing their evolution, describing generations and outlining the biographies of the people who make them up. Genealogical work carried out with the rigor and methods required in modern history is very complex, because it uses elements of various types. It does not only use family documentation, nor sources that contain references to the lineage or the individuals who form it. There are two types of genealogy: noble and popular. The first refers to noble families and the second to poor families. In Portugal, the genealogy of nobles has been cultivated almost exclusively. There are several ways of writing genealogical work: treatises or titles, and trees that can be of generation or seam. In treatises, families are described in descending order, indicating not only the line of representation, but all the others. In this photographic genealogical treatise by Rui Galdino, this form of presentation of family lineage is sought. I am not inspired by any sense of vanity in publishing this genealogical photographic collection, about the family history portrayed by the family branch from which this author also has his origins. But I am happy to be able to help in a simple way, to contribute to a dream that Rui has nurtured for many years. In this simple work, Rui seeks to pay tribute to the members of our ancestors and the survivors of the lineage to which we are a part. The young people of today will be the old people of tomorrow, this is the fatal evolution of time. Perhaps the work we publish may not have intellectual value or be useful, especially to readers unfamiliar with the families mentioned and portrayed, however, it represents the preservation of an excellent family photographic collection that could never be forgotten or even relegated to albums that time will relentlessly destroy. Rui, due to his importance within this lineage, from which I repeat that I also have my origins, sought to find here and there the figures highlighted and photographically shown, as well as characters who over time became part of his life.