May 17, 2018
Alfonso Reyes’ 129th Birthday
This Doodle’s Key Themes
Today we wish happy birthday to Alfonso Reyes, one of Mexico’s most distinguished authors.
Born in Monterrey and educated in Mexico City, Reyes studied the works of intellectuals and philosophers before deciding to pursue law. In law school, he wrote La Cena (The Supper), one of the first and most influential pieces of Mexican surrealism. Today’s Doodle puts mirror-like imagery to this tale; La Cena follows a circular narrative, where the action begins and ends at the same time.
After finishing his education, Reyes went on to become a foreign diplomat in France, Spain, Argentina and Brazil. Afterwards, he settled in Spain to dedicate himself to writing and teaching, publishing essays and poetry. He specialized in Greek classic literature and introduced many of these works to Mexico upon his return.
Reyes continued to write until the end of his life. His work earned him five nominations for the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Feliz cumpleaños, Alfonso Reyes!
Doodle illustrated by Juan Palomino.
Early drafts of the Doodle below
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