Brazilian women through the eyes of Italian travelers

Abstract

As we read the descriptions of European travelers about Brazil during the 19th century, we realize that previous stereotypes are reaffirmed by scientific knowledge, on the assumption of excellence of their culture and confirmation of a model of what would really be a human and a civilization. To get a closer idea of how this process came to be, we analyze some studies on Italian identity in its various forms, focusing on the description given by the Italian travelers on a specific element, already addressed by several studies - the woman. The time: 19th century. The place: Brazil. Our main object of study will be the reports by Italian doctor Alfonso Lommonaco, "Al Brasile", published in Milan in 1889, and by naturalist Ermano Stradelli and Francesco Ammannati "Um viaggio ai confini del mondo", 1865-1868. We believe that the reports of travelers also reveal the attitudes that lead us to better understand society and the role of women in it.