Women in Flora Brasiliensis: Therese of Bavaria

In the centuries before the 20th, science was predominantly a men’s world and botany was no different. The presence of women in the field, in search of documentation and characterization of the flora and in multiple laboratory activities, was scarce.

Princess Therese came to Brazil between January and October 1888. The stated purpose of her trip was to get to know the country, visit indigenous tribes, collect specimens of flora and fauna, and gather ethnographic materials.

Her expedition in Espírito Santo took place between August 26 and September 13. She landed in Vitória, coming from Rio de Janeiro, and the next day went by canoe along the Santa Maria da Vitória river towards the mountains of Espírito Santo. She had previously made brief stops in Barra do Itapemirim and Guarapari.

The fearless explorer entered the forests of Espírito Santo to study them, as well as the Botocudo Indians, with passion. She never left her camera behind, which besides being innovative, made her records unique. She also made drawings by hand, which were later refined.

The serenity of Princess Therese, dressed in a long skirt and long-sleeved blouse, holding an umbrella and a round-brimmed hat, sitting at the entrance of the canvas tent that could not protect her from heavy rain, reveals the detachment that drove her on her expeditions.

On this expedition, she traversed rivers, forests, agricultural areas, villages, and cities, on a route through Cachoeiro, Vitoria, Santa Leopoldina, Santa Teresa, Mutum, Linhares, Anchieta, Santa Cruz, Carapina, Vila Velha, and other villages.

She made notes about geography, climate, economic activities, customs, and species of fauna and flora, with a wealth of detail. The species she observed, many of which were collected and herbarized, can still be recorded in nature today.