Gezicht op het interieur van het Braziliaanse deel van de Wereldtentoonstelling van 1885 in Antwerpen before 1885

This anonymous work captures the Brazilian section of the 1885 World’s Fair in Antwerp. These fairs were monumental displays of industrial and cultural achievements, but they also served as stages for constructing and reinforcing national identities, often at the expense of marginalized communities. Looking closely, you can see how Brazil chose to present itself to the world, emphasizing its resources and commodities for trade. This self-representation occurred during a period when Brazil was transitioning away from slavery, yet still grappling with its legacy of colonialism and racial inequality. The fair provided a crucial platform for Brazil to assert its modernity and economic potential on a global stage. The image prompts us to reflect on the narratives that world fairs promoted, and whose voices were amplified or silenced in the process. It also makes us question how these historical representations continue to shape contemporary perceptions and power dynamics.