In this intriguing article by Kevin Lognoné, discover how a baptismal record reveals that the famous explorer Jacques Cartier visited Brazil before his legendary voyages to North America. In anticipation of the bicentennial of Franco-Brazilian diplomatic relations, immerse yourself in a captivating narrative that weaves together historical expeditions and future opportunities for exploring global archives. From valuable accounts by Cartier’s descendants to maritime narratives that have shaped international relations, this article offers a window into the past that may well shed light on our future.
Evidence of the stay in Brazil by the Saint-Malo explorer Jacques Cartier is the baptism in Saint-Malo on July 31, 1528, of a Brazilian native named Catherine of Brazil, with Jacques Cartier’s wife serving as her godmother. Echoing these exceptionally rich civil registry records, the 2025 celebration of the bicentennial of diplomatic relations between France and Brazil could encourage both countries to develop the «Archives of the Planet» for the 21st century, building on major multilateral events (COP30 in Brazil, timed to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement; the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice; etc.).
Since the 16th century, cod-fishing expeditions have left a lasting mark on transatlantic adventures, particularly those to the coast of Brazil, which Jacques Cartier was also familiar with before setting out to explore Canada. The association of the descendants of Jacques Cartier’s family and his companions preserves valuable records that allow us to trace the origins of this odyssey.
In 1532, as war broke out between the Portuguese crown and Norman shipowners off the coast of Brazil, the explorer Jacques Cartier was introduced to King Francis I by Jean Le Veneur, Bishop of Saint-Malo and Abbot of Mont-Saint-Michel. Le Veneur mentioned voyages that Cartier had reportedly already made «to Brazil and Newfoundland,» asserting that he was capable of «leading ships to discover new lands in the New World.».
Having been commissioned by the King of France—and thus becoming the successor to Giovanni da Verrazano—Jacques Cartier led three voyages to North America between 1534 and 1542 at the king’s expense, hoping to find a passage to Asia, if not riches.
Several historians suggest that he may have accompanied a fishing expedition to Newfoundland before 1532, as the region was frequented by Basque and Breton fishermen. Some also suggest that he may have taken part in one of the exploratory voyages along the Brazilian coast by the Norman fleet flying the Dieppe flag, given that:
On the one hand, the frequent comparisons Cartier makes, in his travel accounts, between the Native Americans of New France (whose stories contributed to the myth of the “noble savage”) and the Brazilians, as well as his knowledge of Portuguese—since, during his retirement, he served on several occasions as a Portuguese interpreter; ;
On the other hand, the history of the city of Dieppe, which recounts the voyages not only of Captain Jean Cousin, but also of two other captains, Thomas Aubert and Giovanni da Verrazzano, who set sail from Dieppe in 1508 and explored the St. Lawrence River, to which they gave its name.
It is worth noting that Jacques Cartier was a witness or juror in legal proceedings who was highly sought after by his fellow citizens. In fact, over a period spanning from August 21, 1510, to November 17, 1555, his name appears on 58 baptismal records, 35 of which list him as a godfather.
While carefully cultivating his connections among the bourgeoisie and municipal officials of Saint-Malo, Jacques Cartier also strengthened his social network through his associations with the Brotherhood of Saint John the Baptist, commonly known as the Brotherhood of the White Brothers.
It appears that, in addition to maritime affairs, Jacques Cartier was also interested in the legal world, since in 1518 he was in possession of a book titled *Les loables Coustumes du pays & Duche de Bretaigne*, which contained the legal rules of Brittany and maritime customs (the “Rôles d’Oléron”). It was undoubtedly thanks to his knowledge of the law that he was often called upon to serve as a witness or juror in the courts of Saint-Malo.
Kevin LOGNONÉ
