Fernão Mendes Pinto
Fernão Mendes Pinto | |
|---|---|
Possible likeness of Fernão Mendes Pinto in the Visitation altarpiece (Giraldo Fernandes de Prado, 1589–1591) of the Church of Misericórdia of Almada, Portugal | |
| Born | 1509 |
| Died | 8 July 1583 |
| Nationality | Portuguese |
| Occupation(s) | Explorer and writer |
| Known for | Pilgrimage |
Fernão Mendes Pinto (Portuguese pronunciation: [fɨɾˈnɐ̃w ˈmẽdɨʃ ˈpĩtu]; c. 1509 – 8 July 1583) was a Portuguese explorer and writer. His voyages are recorded in Pilgrimage (Portuguese: Peregrinação), his autobiographical memoir, which was published posthumously in 1614. The historical accuracy of the work is debatable due to the many events that seem far-fetched or at least exaggerated, earning him the nickname Fernão Mentes Minto (wordplay with the Portuguese verb mentir, 'to lie', meaning "Fernão, are you lying? I am lying."). Still, many aspects of the work can be verified, particularly through records of Pinto's service to the Portuguese crown and by his association with Jesuit missionaries.