ABSTRACT
In February 1824, Hercule Florence, on board of the Marie-Thérèze, left Europe for good. After a 45-day crossing, the vessel anchored in Rio de Janeiro. Brazil’s political independence, proclaimed in 1822, would not change the colonial character of an economy based on the export of agricultural products. There prevailed a structure based on large rural estates (latifúndios) and slavery. Commerce in Rio de Janeiro, as well as in the main Brazilian cities, was held almost exclusively by foreigners, especially from Portugal, France, and Great Britain. Such a situation would continue for several decades during the nineteenth century. After a one-month stop in Rio de Janeiro while the frigate was still being prepared to resume its itinerary, Captain Rosamel introduced Florence to his countryman, Pierre Dillon, who was the owner of a clothing store. While working with Plancher, Florence started to publicize his talent as a draftsman.
