António Feliciano Rodrigues (1869-1925), lawyer by profession, and a poet and writer of great merit, being recognized as an important literary figure. He often signed his literary productions with the pseudonym "Castilho", that corresponded to a nickname given by his university colleagues.

After graduating at University of Coimbra, he practiced law in Funchal and was a deputy of the Attorney General of the Republic, professor at the Jaime Moniz Lyceum and first officer to the General Council of the District of Funchal. In addition to these activities, he translated works and collaborated in the local press -“Jornal do Funchal”, “O Direito”, “Heraldo da Madeira”, “Trabalho e União”, “O Diário”, “O Progresso” and “Diário de Notícias” and also in papers on the mainland -“Beira Baixa” from Fundão and “O Correio” from Pombal.. He co-directed the “Almanach de Memórias Madeirenses” from 1908 to 1911 and in the field of poetry, he wrote “A Escola” (1893); “A Consciência” (1897); “Versos da Mocidade” (1903); “Versos da Madeira” (1903); “Versos para os meus Filhos” (1910); “Colar de Vidrilhos” (1911); “Últimas Folhas” (1912); "Sonetos" (1916); “Versos e Prosas” (s.d.). He also wrote the lyrics of a song composed by César Nascimento, entitled “A Canção das Lágrimas”.His novels were “O Cirurgião de Marinha” (1894) and “Martim de Freitas” (1911).

Born and raised in Santa Maria Maior, in Funchal, he was paid a tribute on the centenary of the edition of his book “Versos da Mocidade”, in 2003 and a literature contest holding his name - Santa Maria Maior: Com Palavras Nascem Histórias” was established with the collaboration of the Madeira Writers Association (AEM – Associação de Escritores da Madeira).

Credits: Madeira Photography Museum - Atelier Vicente's.

PHOTOGRAPHIA VICENTE | António Feliciano Rodrigues's portrait | 1891-10- 07