Interpretation
The Brazilian photographer and inventor Ferrez is considered one of the greatest photographers of his time. His output was massive, and his photographs helped create an idealized vision of imperial Brazil as a land of promise, endowed with gorgeous tropical landscapes and unlimited natural resources. With a professional life intrinsically linked to travel, he sought financial support by documenting the construction of the railroads, which allowed him to travel through the states of Minas Gerais, Paraná, and São Paulo. In 1875 he joined an expedition of the Geologic Commission of the Empire, led by the geologist Charles Frederick Hartt (1840–1878). Ferrez’s photographs captured—and also anticipated—moments in which natural settings are sacrificed in the name of modernization. A striking example
of this is the image at far left showing the transformation of Paraná as rail lines are inscribed into its landscape.
Information
- Title
- Soil Preparation for the Construction of the Railroad Tracks, Paranaguá-Curitiba Railroad, Paraná
- Object Number
- L.2013.48.12
- Maker
- Marc Ferrez
- Medium
- Gelatin silver print
- Dates
- ca. 1882, printed later
- Dimensions
- 23 x 29 cm.
- Credit Line
- Gilberto Ferrez Collection, Instituto Moreira Salles Archive, Brazil
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