Gezicht op Place de Carioca in Rio de Janeiro 1890 - 1910

This photograph captures the Place de Carioca in Rio de Janeiro as seen through the lens of Marc Ferrez. Ferrez, the son of a French sculptor who emigrated to Brazil, documented the country’s transformation during a period of modernization. His work coincided with significant shifts in Brazilian society. He documented the modernization of Rio de Janeiro and the social changes that came with it, capturing both the grandeur of the urban landscape and the everyday lives of its inhabitants. In this particular photograph, we see a bustling public square. The composition offers us a glimpse into the complex social dynamics of the time; the image is layered with narratives of progress, class, and race. The photograph subtly alludes to the historical and social undercurrents of the time, when Brazil was still grappling with the legacy of slavery and the construction of its national identity. Ferrez’s photographs not only documented a specific time and place but also invite reflection on the ongoing dialogues between history, identity, and representation.