Jacques Etienne Victor Arago Paintings

Jacques Etienne Victor Arago was a French writer, artist, and explorer, known for his involvement in the Freycinet expedition around the world aboard the ship Uranie from 1817 to 1820. Born on March 6, 1790, in Estagel, near Perpignan, France, he was the youngest brother of the famous astronomer François Arago.

Arago initially showed a talent for drawing, which led to his appointment as a draftsman on the Freycinet expedition. This voyage, led by Captain Louis de Freycinet, aimed to complete a hydrographic survey and was one of the first to include a professional artist aboard. Arago's role was to document the journey through illustrations of landscapes, indigenous peoples, and scientific discoveries.

During the expedition, Arago visited places such as Brazil, the Pacific Islands, Australia, and the Philippines. His keen eye and artistic skills resulted in a significant body of work that offered insights into the cultures and environments of the early 19th century. These works later became valuable for anthropological and geographical studies.

After returning to France, Arago published an account of his adventures in 1822 titled 'Narrative of a Voyage Round the World.' This publication provided vivid descriptions and drawings of the places he visited and was well received by the French public. His works contributed to the era's growing interest in exotic lands and cultures.

Beyond his artistic contributions, Arago also developed a reputation as a writer and humorist. He was involved in the politics of the time, supporting the Revolution of 1830. However, he lost his eyesight later in life, which curtailed his artistic career. Despite his blindness, he continued to write and dictate his memories.

Jacques Etienne Victor Arago passed away on November 27, 1855, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. His legacy includes not only his contributions to the Freycinet expedition but also his broader work as an artist and writer, which has provided valuable historical perspectives on the world during the Age of Exploration.