José Wasth Rodrigues

José Wasth Rodrigues (São Paulo, March 19, 1891 – Rio de Janeiro, April 21, 1957) was a Brazilian painter, drafter, illustrator, ceramist, teacher and historian. He was the uncle of the also illustrator Ivan Wasth Rodrigues.

Wasth Rodrigues was an important figure for the history of the city of São Paulo, being responsible for the development of several Brazilian municipalities' coats of arms, such as the one of the City of São Paulo, of Mogi das Cruzes and of São Sebastião. Later, he would also design the coat of arms of the State of São Paulo. He also stands out for his work as a historian, leaving several publications focused on architectural documentation of civil and religious construction and works on antique furniture, clothing, insignias and military weapons.

José Wasth Rodrigues was a pioneer in showing concern about the demolitions and decharacterization suffered by examples of Brazil's cultural heritage, suggesting, in an inquiry for the newspaper "O Estado de São Paulo" about Colonial Architecture, that "the foundation of a Society or Commission of Architects with full powers with the governments and the Curias to embargo demolitions and prevent restorations from being made with the sacrifice of the building's 'characteristic physiognomy'". Provided by Wikipedia