VOM DIAMANTEN ZUM TABAK – SYLVIE DORIOT GALOFARO

“From Diamonds to Tobacco: An Early Swiss Industrial Venture in Brazil through the Company of David de Pury (1709–1786) – The Model of the Neuchâtel Entrepreneur, Now Being Reconsidered”

In this talk, Sylvie Doriot Galofaro retraces the history of the Neuchâtel community in Brazil, highlighting the lives of Auguste-Frédéric de Meuron and James-Ferdinand de Pury, who followed in the footsteps of David de Pury. She also examines the current debates surrounding the involvement of the company Pury, Mellish & Devisme in the transatlantic slave trade between Africa and Brazil.

Drawing on several chapters of her book devoted to the diamonds discovered in Brazil in 1729, the lecture explores David de Pury’s investments, made possible through the support of the Marquis of Pombal. Previously unpublished manuscripts by the Viscounts of Asseca, preserved by the Flavia Abubakir Foundation and deciphered by philologist and archivist Alicia Duha Lose, offer new insights into this period.

Sylvie Doriot will also present her book From Diamonds to Tobacco: An Early Swiss Industrial Venture in Brazil (1736–1964), published by Slatkine in March 2024. A new, expanded edition is currently in preparation.

CHF 20.– per person | Free for AEA members | CHF 15.– for Valpic members
Booking recommended : online ticketing

Illustration : Thomas Hickey (1741-1824) « Portrait de David de Pury », Hôtel de Ville de Neuchâtel