Antonio Machado: Life, Works, and Legacy of a Spanish Poet

Antonio Machado: A Biographical Sketch

Early Life and Education (1875-1902)

• Born in Seville in 1875 into an intellectual, progressive, and liberal family.
• At age 8, he moved to Madrid for 5 years of schooling, studying at the Institución Libre de Enseñanza.
• 1888: His brother Manuel inspired him towards theater and introduced him to a bohemian life.
• 1893: His father died. Two years later, his grandfather cut off financial support, leading to a halt in his formal studies.
• 1898: Witnessed the loss of Spain's colonies and the emergence of the Generation of '98.
• 1899: Traveled to Paris and Tours, making contact with contemporary poets, including Rubén Darío. He worked as a translator, and his brothers traveled with him from Madrid to Paris until 1902.
• 1900: Completed his bachelor's degree.

Literary Beginnings and Soria (1903-1912)

• 1903: Returned to Madrid. The publication of Solitudes marked the beginning of his literary career, featuring short poems.
• 1906: Approved the competitive examinations for a French professorship. In 1907, he was transferred to Soria, where he met Leonor.
• 1907: Solitudes, Galleries, and Other Poems was published, continuing with similar themes and metaphors.
• 1909: Married Leonor. The period from 1909 to 1912 is often considered his happiest.
• 1912: Leonor died.

Key Works and Themes

Recurring themes in his work included time, life as a journey, death, and the persistent search for God.

• 1912: Campos de Castilla was published, with 17 additional poems.

Baeza and Intellectual Evolution (1912-1919)

Antonio moved from Soria to Baeza (Jaén). His interest in landscape shifted, and he became more engaged with metaphysical questions, adopting a more intellectual approach. Campos de Castilla reflects the spirit of the Generation of '98, for example, by reflecting on humanity and love, expressing solidarity, becoming critical of men, and showing concern for Spain's future.

Within Campos de Castilla, the section Proverbs and Songs features short, ironic compositions that explore various themes and philosophical thoughts.

Later Works and Relationships (1919-1935)

• 1919: Assigned to Segovia, where he participated in many cultural activities. He visited his family in Madrid on weekends.
• 1924: Published New Songs. Themes included anguish and loneliness. The compositions were varied, forming a thoughtful and philosophical work that, while defended by critics, was not popular with the general public.
• 1927: Appointed a member of the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE).
• 1928: Met Pilar Valderrama, known as 'Guiomar.' Their relationship was confidential as she was married with children.
• 1931: Adhered to the republican movement.
• 1932: Moved to Madrid for work and was admired by younger writers, including those of the Generation of '27.
• 1933: Canciones a Guiomar was published, including three poems that were part of a larger collection of 33 poems. Themes included loneliness and abandonment.
• 1935: Guiomar was exiled, leading to their separation.

Civil War, Exile, and Final Days (1936-1939)

• 1936: His brother was surprised by the war and returned to Valencia from Burgos.
• 1938: Machado fell ill. He was left at the border and had to walk. They arrived in Perpignan and were welcomed in Collioure. He died there in 1939, and his mother passed away a few days later.