Born: 4 March 1833, Colombia
Died: 22 April 1892
Country most active: Colombia
Also known as: Agripina Casimira de los Dolores, Pía-Rigán
Agripina Samper Agudelo, Colombian poet and literary figure, was born in Honda, Cundinamarca, on March 4, 1833. Despite societal limitations for women of her time, her prominent literary family background ensured access to a well-rounded education, nurturing her creative talents.
Samper Agudelo chose the pseudonym Pía-Rigán, an anagram of her given name, to navigate societal expectations while expressing herself through prose and poetry. Her prolific work remained unpublished during her lifetime, reflecting the challenges faced by female writers in the 19th century. However, her literary legacy resurfaced posthumously. After her death on April 22, 1892, her poems and prose were anthologized and published, revealing the depth and beauty of her writing.
Samper Agudelo’s personal life was deeply connected to Bogotá’s literary scene. Married to scientist and writer Manuel Ancízar Basterra, she raised five children while pursuing her own creative endeavors. In 1882, following her husband’s death, she moved to Paris, seeking cultural immersion and potentially escaping the societal constraints on women’s literary expression.
Though initially veiled by societal norms, Samper Agudelo’s voice has emerged as a significant voice in Colombian literature. Her posthumously published works showcase her talent as a writer who dared to defy expectations and leave a lasting mark on the nation’s literary landscape.