Monção departing 1897

"Monção Departing" is a 1897 oil on canvas painting by Brazilian artist José Ferraz de Almeida Júnior. The painting depicts the departure of a group of Brazilians by boat, likely in reference to the 19th-century practice of "monção" where Brazilians would journey by boat to distant destinations in search of work. The scene is depicted with a sense of realism, with the artist capturing the details of the clothing, boats, and landscape. This painting exemplifies Almeida Júnior's commitment to depicting everyday life in Brazil, and it has become a powerful symbol of the country's history and culture.