From the Expedition to the Artistic and Scientific Output

In April 1817, Spix and Martius set sail from Trieste with members of the Austrian mission aboard the frigate Austria. The ship suffered some damage and the voyage took nearly three months. Another vessel carrying the remaining members of the delegation was even more delayed for similar reasons.

After a stay of nearly six months in Rio de Janeiro – a period dedicated to preparing the expedition and adapting to the climate – the duo set off at the end of 1817, accompanied by the painter Thomas Ender, heading towards São Paulo.

While Ender had to return to Rio de Janeiro for health reasons, Spix and Martius continued on to Minas Gerais. From there they traversed the hinterlands of Bahia, Pernambuco, Piauí, and Maranhão, traveling through regions still largely unknown to European science.

In 1819, they arrived weakened in São Luís do Maranhão. Once they had recovered, they sailed to Belém and set out on a long expedition through the Amazon River basin. Back in Belém, they departed for Europe, arriving in Munich in December 1820.

In the absence of good roads and maps, the explorers relied on the support of local guides, muleteers with mule troops for personal and baggage transport, or skilled pilots and rowers when traveling along the rivers.

Spix and Martius describe their daily life: “During the journey, we had the opportunity to observe the region through which we traveled and everything that existed near the road in terms of minerals, plants, animals, etc.”

For this, they used their field notes, diaries, sketches, drawings, collections, letters, and reports sent to the King of Bavaria, as well as their memories. They also consulted experts and studies on the nature and history of Brazil.

The second volume came out in 1828, with partial participation from Spix. He died six years after their return, leaving his work uncompleted. In 1831, the third and final volume of Reise was published, accompanied by an Atlas with illustrations, maps, and a musical compendium.