Views of America · 19th century
€ 340
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Very good condition for its age. Light overall toning and minor surface soiling consistent with early-19th-century works. No major defects observed. Please study the scan carefully.
Brazil in Soft Greens — St. Fidelis Jesuit Mission View, Aquatint 1821
This refined early-19th-century landscape view depicts the Jesuit Mission of St. Fidelis along the Paraíba River in Brazil, rendered in a harmonious palette of soft greens and muted blues. The composition presents a tranquil riverside scene: gently layered tropical hills recede into the distance, while the mission complex sits calmly on a clearing above the water, accompanied by scattered dwellings and a lone canoe gliding across the foreground river. The overall effect is pastoral, atmospheric, and remarkably decorative.
The print originates from Il Costume Antico e Moderno, l’America, the celebrated cultural and ethnographic encyclopedia conceived by Giulio Ferrario and published in Milan. This monumental project sought to document global landscapes, customs, architecture, and daily life through finely executed engravings and aquatints based on contemporary travel accounts and scientific exploration. The present plate belongs to the Italian edition dated 1821, part of the first issue published between circa 1815 and 1826.
Executed as a line and aquatint engraving with original hand coloring, the image demonstrates the technical finesse typical of Ferrario’s publication. The soft tonal transitions of the aquatint are particularly effective in conveying atmospheric depth, humidity, and tropical light. The plate was engraved by Paolo Fumagalli after designs supervised by Ferrario, whose role as director of the Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense in Milan ensured both scholarly rigor and artistic quality.
Views of Jesuit missions in Brazil are increasingly sought after for their historical importance, offering visual insight into colonial religious architecture and missionary activity within South America. At the same time, the understated color scheme and balanced composition make this print highly appealing for modern interiors, working equally well in classic, contemporary, or nature-inspired settings. It pairs beautifully with other South American views or stands confidently on its own as a serene focal point.
Condition report:
Very good condition for its age. Light overall toning and minor surface soiling consistent with early-19th-century works. No major defects observed. Please study the scan carefully.
Framing tips:
Frame in natural walnut, light oak, or matte black for a contemporary contrast. Use an off-white or pale grey mat to enhance the soft green tones and maintain an airy, gallery-style presentation.
Technique: Line and aquatint engraving with original hand coloring on wove paper
Maker: Paolo Fumagalli after Giulio Ferrario, Milan, 1821
