Atlas of the journey through Brazil by Spix and Martius, tabula I

Lithograph of the Atlas Zur Reise in Brasilien von Dr. von Spix und Dr. von Martius (Atlas of the journey through Brazil by Spix and Martius). Drawing by Hermann Anton Stilke (1803-1860), under the direction of Peter von Cornelius (1783-1867), director of the Munich Academy of Fine Arts from 1825 to 1841. The drawing was engraved by Josef Päringer. It is an allegorical image of the history of South America. According to Martius, this story should be illustrated with the help of the following symbolic figures: Above, in the center, one sees the mighty Equator, dux atque, which concentrates all the creative forces. On his right, illuminated by the sun's rays thrown by the dux atque, a kind genie leans on a mountain range. Below, gnomes contribute to the enrichment of the soil. The genocide of the Amerindians is alluded to in the scene of the confrontation between Indians and Europeans, characterized by their biblical strength and their greed for gold. Above left, also under the protection of the Equator, the God of the Amazon pours vitality into nature. Opposite the equator, young America is seated on a navigating throne.