Journey to the Center of the Earth 1864

This is Edouard Riou’s illustration for Jules Verne’s novel, *Journey to the Center of the Earth*. It vividly captures the sense of adventure and exploration that defined much of 19th-century European identity. During this period, scientific expeditions were not just about discovery, they were about demonstrating power. The all-male protagonists, with their determination to penetrate the unknown, embody the era's deeply gendered ideals of masculinity and dominance over the natural world. We can see the environmental impact of human ambition. The travelers are dwarfed by the landscape, a reminder of nature's indifference to human endeavors. Riou encourages us to reflect on the complex interplay between exploration, identity, and the stories we tell ourselves about our place in the world.