Flamingo's in het regenwoud bij Mangaratiba aan de Costa Verde c. 1831 - 1837

Editor: So, this engraving from between 1831 and 1837 is titled "Flamingo's in het regenwoud bij Mangaratiba aan de Costa Verde," by Alexis-Victor Joly. It has this really quiet, almost secretive mood to it. What do you notice about the way this scene is put together? Curator: You know, it whispers secrets, doesn’t it? For me, it's a study in contrasts—look at how the artist uses light and shadow, creating a push and pull that mirrors the dense tangle of the rainforest itself. I think Joly captured the overwhelming feel of being surrounded by something almost… primordial. Doesn't it feel that way to you? Editor: Absolutely. All the intricate details kind of build up on each other. Is there anything, like, culturally significant about representing the rainforest like this back then? Curator: Well, think about the 19th century – Europe's fascination with the "exotic." I'd hazard to guess, this image is perhaps as much about sparking curiosity in faraway lands as it is a realistic depiction of one. But do you think it's completely detached? Do you think Joly captured any sense of lived experience within this crafted scene? Editor: Hmmm, I'm not sure... Maybe he did see the real lived experience; he was just representing through the eyes of what Europe thought a rainforest "should" look like, at that point. It is beautifully rendered though; I had to get close to appreciate how all of the lines create this very detailed image. Curator: I'm really struck by your point about the European vision of the "other." Maybe the flamingo are almost props within the broader play. Fascinating thought... You've given me much to consider. Editor: Me too, it’s so interesting to consider how art reflects the artist but also, the people they create art *for*.