A few photos from the launch of the Copacabana – Panoramas of Rio de Janeiro Exhibition

Ambassador and Mayor watch historic images of Copacabana

The Copacabana – Panoramas of Rio de Janeiro exhibition was launched this evening at the Museum in Tavira. Its is an outstanding exhibition. The Mayor launched the exhibition along with the Consul General of Brazil in Faro, Ambassador Manuel Innocencio de Lacerda Santos Jr.

The launch was well attended and the Curator of the exhibition Claudia Fares, explained the background to many of the images, photos by famous photographers such as Marc Ferrez. and Augusto Malta In the first room of the exhibition there is a 360 degree view of the city captured at the end of the 19th century. Many of the images capture the fun of the beach, the carnival or are explorations of the urban and rural landscape.

One important exhibit is the map of Tavira. In November 1807, when the Portuguese Court departed for Brazil, many state documents were taken including the “Overhead sketch of the Map of Tavira” by Jose de Sande Vasconcelos, made years earlier between 1786 and 1790. This map has returned to Tavira as part of this exhibition. Jose de Sande Vasconcelos, was born in Evora in about 1730. He had a long military career which involved a cartographic survey of the Algarve. He died in Tavira in 1808.

Booklet that accompanies Map (Reproduction)

The map on display is a large coloured sketch enriched with representations of the buildings. Complimenting the map is booklet that provides an extensive explanation of the buildings, the seashore where salt was produced and springs where clothes were washed. The map also outlines the military structures.

Other works include water coloured lithographs that portrays Rio de Janeiro as an exuberant and unique landscape.

Here are just a few images from the launch. Do notice the floor which has been reproduced as calcadas that can be found along the Copacabana strip.

Its well worth visiting this exhibition and there is a free booklet explaining the context of the times and reasons for choosing the images for this Panorama of Rio de Janeiro.