Lan on how to be a carioca

On Wednesday night I had the privilege to meet one of Brazil's greatest caricaturists, the Italian-born, carioca-par-excellence, Lanfranco Aldo Ricardo Vaselli Cortelline Rossi. Lan, as he is prominently known, made a stop at the Pagode do Nézio e Negão.



After leaving Italy as a child, Lan was raised in Uruguay, then eventually landed in Rio, where he has resided since. He is best known for some of the most beautiful album covers that he made throughout his career.



His caricatures of the world of samba (among other themes) are legendary. Another transplanted artist, the Argentine-born Carybé (Hector Julio Páride Bernabó 1911-1997) once said of Lan: "The Portuguese didn't invent the mulata, Lan did".*



I spoke briefly to Lan, and he told me he would be happy to meet with me sometime for an interview! However, when I was trying to get his phone number I was intercepted by one of his companions. I understand the protective nature of certain people towards celebrities, especially when they are elderly. The man gave me his card, telling me that he would forward my e-mail to Lan. So far, I haven't heard back.


(Martinho da Vila)

I would like to leave you with a song from Moacyr Luz who has been featured in the blog in previous posts. The song is from a dedication album to people and places of Rio.

"Mitos cariocas: Lan" (Moacyr Luz/Aldir Blanc)
from the album Samba da cidade (2003)