The landscape of Rio de Janeiro has long dazzled travelers from overseas. As the capital of colonial Brazil, from 1763 onwards, Rio was the port of entry for most foreigners arriving in the country. However, for most of the colonial period, the appearance of the city remained little known outside Portuguese dominions. With the opening of Brazil to trade with other nations, after 1808, followed by Independence in 1822, images of Rio began to circulate with greater facility. Thanks not only to landscape painting, but above all to the production of prints and lithographs, the city’s major landmarks – such as the Sugar Loaf, Corcovado, the church of Our Lady of Gloria and Morro do Castelo (Castle Hill) – became known all over the world.

Internationalization brought trade, diplomatic missions, and scientific expeditions. Along with them came numerous artists attracted by the promise of the new country and its stunning nature. Many were from German-speaking lands. Their contribution to the iconography of Rio de Janeiro is evidenced by the works exhibited in this room.