In the summer 1894

Eliseu Visconti painted “In the Summer” using oil on canvas, and although it lacks a specific date, we can contextualize it within the artist's broader body of work, positioning it within the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Visconti, a Brazilian artist who studied in France, brings a European sensibility to a seemingly intimate, domestic scene. The depiction of children in a state of undress invites questions about the prevailing social mores of the time, particularly concerning representation and childhood innocence. Does the painting engage with, or challenge, the conservative artistic institutions of Brazil at the turn of the century? To understand this artwork fully, we must delve into the cultural context of Brazil during this era. Researching exhibition records, art criticism, and social commentaries will allow us to comprehend Visconti’s contribution to the public role of art in shaping societal norms.