Journey to the Center of the Earth 1864

Edouard Riou created this illustration for Jules Verne’s novel in the late 19th century, a period marked by European colonial expansion and scientific exploration. Riou's image visualizes a world both exotic and perilous, reflecting the 19th-century fascination with the unknown. The portrayal of figures in apparent flight raises questions about power dynamics and fear of the other. Are they explorers, or are they indigenous people? The illustration evokes themes of adventure, but also subtly hints at the darker aspects of exploration; the intrusion into uncharted territories. The lush, almost overwhelming vegetation could symbolize the challenges faced by those entering unfamiliar lands. Does it represent the allure or the threat of the unknown? Ultimately, this image invites us to consider the complex relationship between exploration, representation, and the human experience of encountering the unfamiliar, while prompting reflection on the historical context of colonialism and its lasting impact on identity and perception.