Poet. He received recognition as an author of poetry, who was known as the "National Poet of Uruguay." In 1886 he wrote the historical verse epic, "Tabare," which has been revised several times in the early part of the 20th century. The poem was written in six canto and based upon a legend of love between a Spanish girl and a Charrua Indian boy. Since his mother died before his first birthday, he was raised by an aunt. He and an older brother were educated in various Roman Catholic schools throughout South America. He received a Bachelors of Art Degree from the Jesuit Father's College of Santiago in Chile in 1877. His first published piece was "Notas de un himno" or "Notes for a Hymn" in 1876 and dealt with patriotism and sadness. His style was similar to famous Spanish Romantic poet Gustavo Adolfo Becquer. He was the founder of the Catholic Periodical, "El bien publico" in 1878. In 1879 he wrote the patriotic ode "The Fatherland Legend." In 1907 he was commissioned by the government to write an essay in honor of national hero, Jose Gervasio Artigas, which was finished in 1910 and entitled "Epic of Artigas." Besides writing, he has held various political posts including ambassador to France, Portugal, Spain, and the Vatican. He was a professor of Art Theory at the University of the Republic and held department chairmanships. On August 18, 1935 the government declared his home as a museum. He married twice and was the father of sixteen children. Several of his children and grandchildren have become outstanding actors, artists and writers. His son, Jose Luis, made a more-than-life-sized statue of him on a base and it is on displayed in the city of Maldonado. He has received many national honors and his portrait is displayed on the 20 peso note of Uruguay currency.