Boats in Harbor

Emile Browne

Framed: 22 7/8 x 22 7/8″

Pearl Paper

“Boats in a Harbor” is a captivating photograph that captures the beauty and history of the harbor in Paraty, Brazil. The photograph depicts a lively harbor filled with pleasure crafts and yachts, set against a backdrop of majestic mountains silhouetted against the blue sky and sea. Paraty is a get away for well heeled Cariocas. The quiet and the large virgin woods play a nice backdrop for a much needed getaway from Rio. The blue tone of the photograph adds to the serene and tranquil atmosphere of the harbor. The photograph is particularly significant in light of the harbor’s dark history. Once, the harbor was filled with tall ships carrying materials for mining, gold, and enslaved Africans. The photograph thus serves as a fervent reminder of the legacy of exploitation and violence that has shaped the history of Brazil and other parts of the world. Despite this all too common overlooked violent history, the photograph also captures the tranquility and beauty of the harbor and the people who call it home. One can easily forget its history or ignore it all together. The boats and yachts in the harbor symbolize leisure and pleasure, reminding us that life will go on despite the struggles and travesties left in its wake. In the end, “Boats in a Harbor” is a moving and thought-provoking work of art that invites us to reflect on the dynamic histories that shape our world. It is a reflection to the beauty that can so easily help one to forget the dark underbelly of history, and a call to action to work towards a more just and equitable future for all.