Paul and Virginia before 1872

This photograph, titled 'Paul and Virginia', was made by an anonymous artist at an unknown date. It depicts a European romantic ideal that was extremely popular in the 19th century, with its themes of exotic landscapes and virtuous characters tested by tragic fate. It directly references the novel 'Paul et Virginie' published in 1788, which describes the idyllic childhood of two friends on the island of Mauritius, who eventually fall in love. The image uses simple classical costumes to suggest purity, with the sheltering leaf symbolizing the innocence of nature. The story was immediately popular, playing into a nostalgia for pre-industrial life. However, the novel can also be seen as a commentary on the destructive impact of colonialism and slavery on native populations. The setting of the tropics and the focus on romantic love and loss allows us to consider questions of social justice through art. The work is both progressive and conservative, revealing the complexity of social meaning.