Book Reviews RIEDL-DORN, Christa. Botânica Imperial no Brasil / Imperial botany in Brazil FERRÃO, Cristina and MONTEIRO SOARES, José Paulo (editors). Natterer – on the Austrian expedition to Brazil (1817–1835)

Abstract

Both these books have excellent editing quality, and both capture our immediate attention by being beautifully illustrated. The bilingual book Imperial botany in Brazil (in Portuguese and English) pays particular attention to botanical landscapes, illustrations mostly produced in watercolour and pencil during the scientific expedition to Lusitanian America organized by the scientist Karl von Schreibers (1775– 1852). Von Schreibers, besides promoting and managing the Austrian mission, was entrusted by the Prince of Metternich to accompany Carolina Josefa Leopoldina, Archduchess of Austria (1797–1826). The Archduchess was devoted to natural history and was particularly interested in scientific studies and practices. While the negotiations between Portugal and Austria took place, as well as the marriage agreement with Pedro I, first Emperor of Brazil, Archduchess Leopoldina also reorganized her mineralogical collection. The Portuguese vessel, D. João VI, arrived on November 1817 in Rio de Janeiro with the long-expected Archduchess Leopoldina on board.