Pedro Alexandrino Borges was a Brazilian painter and designer. With his work he influenced the naturalistic movement of Brazil. Most of his work includes oil paintings of landscapes, interiors and still lifes. Borges was born in the city of São Paulo. He was a descendant of miners. He found access to art through his father, who played music at festivals and in churches. Even as a child, Borges wanted to become a painter. At the age of 11, he was already helping a French decorator with his work in a cathedral. This knowledge later allowed him to carry out various design commissions in palaces and other churches in São Paulo and to attend painting classes at the Academy of Fine Arts.

Borges begins his academic training at the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts in Rio de Janeiro. He receives a scholarship from the state of São Paulo. He studies from 1890 and 1892, but does not finish his studies. His works are awarded prizes, but financial success is not forthcoming. After his marriage in 1884, he lived with his wife in a sparsely furnished room. They could not afford a bed. He earns some money as a teacher at the Lyceum of Arts and Crafts in São Paulo. In April 1888, his wife dies of typhoid fever. Borges throws himself into work and in 1894 receives an award for one of his works. He opens a successful studio. In 1897 he travels to Paris with his second wife. There he met several artists and through them discovered his passion for still life. These get him an invitation from Baron von Rothschild to the United States. Back in Brazil, he held a solo exhibition at the Liceu de Artes e Ofícios with 110 paintings, 84 of which were still lifes. He would like to return to Paris, but lacks the money to do so. Only after some successes in his home country can he make his dream come true. In 1907 he returned to Paris and stayed until 1909, loving the city and calling it "the city of culture".

In the 1920s, the Academy of Fine Arts in Genoa gave Borges an award for his work. The response was great in Brazil and his works become more and more sought after. In 1936, the Brazilian artist received another award in Europe. The Italian government awards him the title of Commander of the Crown of Italy. At the age of 85, Borges dies as a result of influenza. The Pinacoteca of the State of São Paulo sets the flag at half-mast. Classes at the School of Fine Arts are suspended. His funeral is paid for by the state.