The independence of Brazil from Portugal was unusual by the standards of the liberation wars in Latin America. The separation was really a backstopping of power by Pedro, the son of João VI, King of Portugal. The family had fled to Brazil during the occupation of Portugal by Napoleon and had built a strong base of support there. So, independence was not the typical liberal fight experienced in Venezuela or Argentina that resulted in republican governments. Recognizing the incongruity of creating an Empire of Brazil amidst all the claims for liberty and patriotism in the surrounding neighbors may have encouraged the leadership to create images that emphasized an independence that reflected Enlightenment values, not dynastic Portuguese squabbles. The regime presented itself as equal to the new governments in the Americas.
Foremost in the newly independent nations of Latin America was the claim to supporting modernization and liberal reforms. Starting with the arrival of the Portuguese royal family in Brazil in 1808, one of the themes stressed the bringing of Enlightenment to the Americans. As noted by Kirsten Schulz, local elites saw that the royal family established functioning royal courts of justice, trade and commerce and ultimately “civilization.” Art was commissioned to emphasize the enhancement of benefits under Pedro. The curtain created by Jean Baptise Debret encompasses many of the liberal ideals of the time. While celebrating of the coronation of Dom Pedro, he is replaced by a woman symbolizing the Empire, promoting the unity of Brazil and monarch. She holds a constitution, the goal and emblem of nineteenth century liberalism. The throne itself has two vital symbols, on the left arm are the scales of justice and on the right arm is a caduceus. Here Pedro’s rule is claimed to be bringing equal legal status, a point made clear by the multiethnic nature of the crowd surrounding the throne. By including the caduceus, associated with commerce, the emphasis is on trade and wealth benefiting the people of Brazil. That point is reinforced by the including of the trade goods of coffee and sugar in the foreground, promising the liberalization of trade. All of these qualities result in the cornucopia before the throne showing the great success and bountiful future of Brazil. The message is clear, Dom Pedro’s constitutional monarchy is the key to a modern and successful nation.
With the guarantee of proper rule under a modern state publicly proclaimed, the second element of the image and goal of national liberation becomes clear, the establishment of a unifying self-sacrificing patriotism among the populace. The image is filled with signs of devotion and militarism in defense of Brazil. Several Brazilians offer up their children directly to the crown. The multiethnic citizenry is emphasized as a Black soldier holds up his child while his wife encourages him. Below them a white woman kneels and pushes two of her babies forward as loyal contributions. Directly on both sides can be seen indigenous people kneeling and brandishing their weapons in service to the country. Even children are show bringing their farm implements in pledge of loyalty and commitment. The message is one of a legitimate state providing the benefits of freedom and success and in return earning loving patriotism of its diverse and unified citizens.
The challenge to Brazil’s government would be matching imagery of equality and loyalty of a diverse population to the reality of the nation. Was equality really a goal of the regime that perpetuated slavery and ethnic division? Additionally, how could an absolutist monarchy that had ignored Brazilians for hundreds of years really provide the liberal reforms proclaimed?