An English lieutenant in Brazil: new information about Henry Chamberlain’s Brazilian travels and artworks

This article presents new information about the Brazilian travels and artworks of Lt. Henry Chamberlain (1796–1843). Chamberlain is best remembered for his series of aquatints, Views and Costumes of the City and Neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro, first published in London in 1821 and a highly treasured piece of brasiliana. However, little else was known about Chamberlain's visit to Brazil in 1819–20, beyond what could be ascertained from the prints and his surviving watercolours. British and Brazilian primary sources, especially newspapers, have revealed more tangible details about his arrival and departure from Brazil, but also his return to the country a few years later, which resulted in other watercolours. Finally, this research has also uncovered the existence of a topographical model of Rio de Janeiro which the lieutenant made in 1824 and exhibited in London.