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ID #SA1235361
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£8,950
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Early 19th Century Oil Painting of Rio De Janeiro – School of Johann Moritz Rugendas, C.1825–1840
For sale by Antiques Decorative (Sussex)
for sale €10,472     $11,367
£8,950
Antiques Decorative (Sussex)

Antiques Decorative (Sussex)

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Early 19th Century Oil Painting of Rio De Janeiro – School of Johann Moritz Rugendas, C.1825–1840

19th century
Description

A highly evocative early 19th-century Brazilian oil painting, attributed to the School of Johann Moritz Rugendas (1802–1858) and believed to depict the historic waterfront of Rio de Janeiro, probably the Santa Luzia–Misericórdia district, with Guanabara Bay and the mountainous landscape beyond.

Painted in an unusual octagonal format, the composition presents a busy working waterfront populated with boats, traders and local figures, set against substantial ecclesiastical architecture and the distant profile of the bay.

Of particular interest are the foreground figures. An Afro-Brazilian woman carries a substantial load upon her head with a child beside her, while other figures are engaged in trade, transport and shoreline activity. These are not merely decorative staffage, but individually observed figures that relate closely to the type of Brazilian subjects recorded by Rugendas during the 1820s.

The painting also appears more topographical than capriccio in its handling. The church, shoreline, boats, buildings and mountain profile appear to relate to a real location rather than a wholly invented tropical scene. Current research suggests the view is most likely connected with the historic Santa Luzia waterfront, close to the old Misericórdia district and Morro do Castelo, before later redevelopment dramatically altered this part of Rio.

The attribution to the School of Rugendas is supported by comparison with Rugendas’s original Brazilian figure studies and his numerous topographical views of Rio de Janeiro and Guanabara Bay. Related octagonal Rio views have also appeared on the market catalogued as School of Rugendas.

The painting has recently undergone professional conservation and cleaning, revealing significantly improved colour, architectural detail and definition within the foreground figures.

Presented in a handsome gilt and ebonised octagonal frame, the work has exceptional decorative presence while also offering considerable historical and art-historical interest.

Attribution: School of Johann Moritz Rugendas

Date: c.1825–1840

Subject: Rio de Janeiro, probably Santa Luzia–Misericórdia waterfront

Medium: Oil on canvas

Format: Octagonal

Watch the full video on YouTube https://youtu.be/6vQk3p9OG3o

Good antique condition, recently cleaned, with craquelure throughout the painted surface. The canvas has been relined in the past.

Framed measurements: Width 69 cm, Height 63 cm, Depth 5cm

Available from Antiques Decorative, Sussex, England.

Worldwide shipping available.

Physical Dimensions
Height
48cm (18.90")
Width
55cm (21.65")
Declaration

Antiques Decorative (Sussex) has dated this 19th Century Oil Painting to the 1850s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1235361
Dealers Notes

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Description
A highly evocative early 19th-century Brazilian oil painting, attributed to the School of Johann Moritz Rugendas (1802–1858) and believed to depict the historic waterfront of Rio de Janeiro, probably the Santa Luzia–Misericórdia district, with Guanabara Bay and the mountainous landscape beyond.
fig 1. An early nineteenth-century octagonal oil painting depicting a harbour scene in Rio de Janeiro, housed in a moulded gilt and ebonised wooden frame.
fig 1. Early 19th Century Oil Painting of Rio De Janeiro – School of Johann Moritz Rugendas, C.1825–1840

Painted in an unusual octagonal format, the composition presents a busy working waterfront populated with boats, traders and local figures, set against substantial ecclesiastical architecture and the distant profile of the bay.

Of particular interest are the foreground figures.

“
An Afro-Brazilian woman carries a substantial load upon her head with a child beside her, while other figures are engaged in trade, transport and shoreline activity.
Antiques Decorative (Sussex)

These are not merely decorative staffage, but individually observed figures that relate closely to the type of Brazilian subjects recorded by Rugendas during the 1820s.

fig 2. An early nineteenth-century octagonal oil painting depicting a harbour scene in Rio de Janeiro, housed in a moulded gilt and ebonised wooden frame.
fig 2. Early 19th Century Oil Painting of Rio De Janeiro – School of Johann Moritz Rugendas, C.1825–1840

The painting also appears more topographical than capriccio in its handling. The church, shoreline, boats, buildings and mountain profile appear to relate to a real location rather than a wholly invented tropical scene. Current research suggests the view is most likely connected with the historic Santa Luzia waterfront, close to the old Misericórdia district and Morro do Castelo, before later redevelopment dramatically altered this part of Rio.

fig 3. An early nineteenth-century octagonal oil painting depicting a harbour scene in Rio de Janeiro, housed in a moulded gilt and ebonised wooden frame.
fig 3. Early 19th Century Oil Painting of Rio De Janeiro – School of Johann Moritz Rugendas, C.1825–1840

The attribution to the School of Rugendas is supported by comparison with Rugendas’s original Brazilian figure studies and his numerous topographical views of Rio de Janeiro and Guanabara Bay. Related octagonal Rio views have also appeared on the market catalogued as School of Rugendas.

fig 4. An early nineteenth-century octagonal oil painting depicting a harbour scene in Rio de Janeiro, housed in a moulded gilt and ebonised wooden frame.
fig 4. Early 19th Century Oil Painting of Rio De Janeiro – School of Johann Moritz Rugendas, C.1825–1840

The painting has recently undergone professional conservation and cleaning, revealing significantly improved colour, architectural detail and definition within the foreground figures.

Presented in a handsome gilt and ebonised octagonal frame, the work has exceptional decorative presence while also offering considerable historical and art-historical interest.

fig 5. An early nineteenth-century octagonal oil painting depicting a harbour scene in Rio de Janeiro, housed in a moulded gilt and ebonised wooden frame.
fig 5. Early 19th Century Oil Painting of Rio De Janeiro – School of Johann Moritz Rugendas, C.1825–1840

Attribution: School of Johann Moritz Rugendas

Date: c.1825–1840

Subject: Rio de Janeiro, probably Santa Luzia–Misericórdia waterfront

Medium: Oil on canvas

Format: Octagonal

Watch the full video on YouTube https://youtu.be/6vQk3p9OG3o

fig 6. An early nineteenth-century octagonal oil painting depicting a harbour scene in Rio de Janeiro, housed in a moulded gilt and ebonised wooden frame.
fig 6. Early 19th Century Oil Painting of Rio De Janeiro – School of Johann Moritz Rugendas, C.1825–1840

Good antique condition, recently cleaned, with craquelure throughout the painted surface. The canvas has been relined in the past.

Framed measurements: Width 69 cm, Height 63 cm, Depth 5cm

Available from Antiques Decorative, Sussex, England.

Worldwide shipping available.

Height
48cm (18.90")
Width
55cm (21.65")
Date of Manufacture

Antiques Decorative (Sussex) has dated this 19th Century Oil Painting to the 1850s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1235361
Antiques Decorative (Sussex)
Antiques Decorative (Sussex)
Sellingantiques verified Since May 2024

Timeless treasures: elevate your space with decorative art and antiques

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Antiques Decorative (Sussex) Profile Page

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An early nineteenth-century octagonal oil painting depicting a harbour scene in Rio de Janeiro, housed in a moulded gilt and ebonised wooden frame.
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Film
Film of Early 19th Century Oil Painting of Rio De Janeiro – School of Johann Moritz Rugendas, C.1825–1840
Archive I An early nineteenth-century octagonal oil painting depicting a harbour scene in Rio de Janeiro, housed in a moulded gilt and ebonised wooden frame.

Early 19th Century Oil Painting of Rio De Janeiro – School of Johann Moritz Rugendas, C.1825–1840

Film
Archive II An early nineteenth-century octagonal oil painting depicting a harbour scene in Rio de Janeiro, housed in a moulded gilt and ebonised wooden frame. View II
Archive III An early nineteenth-century octagonal oil painting depicting a harbour scene in Rio de Janeiro, housed in a moulded gilt and ebonised wooden frame. View III
Archive IV An early nineteenth-century octagonal oil painting depicting a harbour scene in Rio de Janeiro, housed in a moulded gilt and ebonised wooden frame. View IV
Archive V An early nineteenth-century octagonal oil painting depicting a harbour scene in Rio de Janeiro, housed in a moulded gilt and ebonised wooden frame. View V
Archive VI An early nineteenth-century octagonal oil painting depicting a harbour scene in Rio de Janeiro, housed in a moulded gilt and ebonised wooden frame. View VI
Archive VII An early nineteenth-century octagonal oil painting depicting a harbour scene in Rio de Janeiro, housed in a moulded gilt and ebonised wooden frame. View VII
Archive VIII An early nineteenth-century octagonal oil painting depicting a harbour scene in Rio de Janeiro, housed in a moulded gilt and ebonised wooden frame. View VIII
Archive IX An early nineteenth-century octagonal oil painting depicting a harbour scene in Rio de Janeiro, housed in a moulded gilt and ebonised wooden frame. View IX
Archive X An early nineteenth-century octagonal oil painting depicting a harbour scene in Rio de Janeiro, housed in a moulded gilt and ebonised wooden frame. View X
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Antiques Decorative (Sussex)

Antiques Decorative (Sussex)
Telephone 07565 761917
Location
East Sussex
United Kingdom

By appointment only.
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Verified Since May 2024
Items For Sale 64
Items Sold 38
Antiques Decorative (Sussex)
Antiques Decorative (Sussex)
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An early nineteenth-century octagonal oil painting depicting a harbour scene in Rio de Janeiro, housed in a moulded gilt and ebonised wooden frame.
Early 19th Century Oil Painting of Rio de Janeiro – School of Johann Moritz Rugendas, c.1825–1840
Ref: SA1235361
An early nineteenth-century octagonal oil painting depicting a harbour scene in Rio de Janeiro, housed in a moulded gilt and ebonised wooden frame.
Film of Early 19th Century Oil Painting of Rio De Janeiro – School of Johann Moritz Rugendas, C.1825–1840
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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectOil Painting
  • Period19th century
  • Style19th Century Colonial
  • MaterialOil on Canvas, Wood, Gold Leaf
  • ColourSoft Blue
  • MotifsOctagonal frame, Ebonised and gilt moulding, Harbour landscape, Colonial architecture
  • SizeH 48 cm (19 in) x W 55 cm (22 in)

FAQs

Topographical oil paintings from the early 19th century focus on the accurate portrayal of real-world locations, architecture, harbours, and landscapes. Artists of this era often documented overseas travels, combining observational accuracy with atmospheric perspective and classic compositional framing.

Paintings from this era were typically created using natural mineral and earth pigments bound in linseed oil, applied onto linen canvas or wooden panels. Frames were frequently crafted from solid timber with applied gesso moulding, finished with hand-applied gold leaf and ebonised accents.

Authentic period works display natural age-related craquelure across the paint surface, oxidisation on the reverse of the canvas or wood support, and hand-cut joinery on the stretcher frames. Original gilding often shows delicate wear where the underlying clay bole layer becomes visible.

Position the painting as a primary focal point above a console table, mantelpiece, or within an eclectic gallery wall. The warm tones of gold leaf and dark ebonised frames complement both traditional timber furniture and modern minimalist interiors.

Display the artwork away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and areas of fluctuating humidity to protect the canvas and paint layers. Dust the frame and surface gently with a dry, soft-bristled brush, avoiding water, chemical cleaners, or physical pressure.
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