A French tourist captures Rio de Janeiro in the 1960s.
- Ten small photographs of Rio de Janeiro, during the 1960s, with annotations in French.
- Anonymous photographer.
- 3 sheets (12 cm x 18 cm, 19 cm x 10.5 cm, 9 cm x 14 cm), each photograph measures ~ 5.5 x 3.5 cm.
- Excellent condition.
- Unique set.
I invented the following text to describe this set to you:
Sister,
I can't believe I've finally arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil! Do you remember those images of the city we used to watch on Uncle Pepe's TV? Well, reality is even better, everything is new and at the same time classic and elegant, it seems like a dream. Still, nothing is as immense, infinite, and beautiful as the sea. Sister, you must see Copacabana, that was the first place I came to as soon as I left the airport, and now I'm back here to write you these few words, I want to absorb everything and not forget any detail.
Do you remember when we used to go to the stream near home and say that that shallow water must be like the sea? I'm sorry to tell you, but we were wrong, the sea is much more, so strong when it breaks in waves on the sand, but so soft in the smell of its breeze, it's an endless blue, and even looking at the horizon, it's impossible to see the other side! And the women in swimsuits, with their entire legs exposed, Dad would go crazy! By the way, how is Dad doing?
I know he's still furious about my trip, that Brazil and a big city are not places for a single girl, and I know he doesn't want to hear from me. Still, if you could at least tell him I'm well. I found a small room in a guesthouse in Botafogo, for women only! And there I met Dona Alzira, a very kind widow who, upon hearing my story, gave me a job as her assistant in her atelier. You'll see, soon I'll be a well-known French seamstress in Rio de Janeiro and make Dad proud.
But until that day comes, I'll enjoy exploring, I've already walked by the lagoon, along the shore, seen the Corcovado, and, sis, some enormous buildings! I don't know how these people manage to live one above the other, they must hear everything their neighbors say. At the guesthouse, they've already explained to me that these apartments facing the sea are the most expensive in the city, and I understand, what a privilege it would be to wake up every day and face that blue. While I can't afford that luxury, I go to the beach and take my tram back to Botafogo. Sister, know that you are always welcome if you want to visit me, as are Dad and Mom.
When I return to France, I'll bring you some records, there's a new rhythm playing here, Bossa Nova, it's the most beautiful thing I've ever heard, so sweet and soft that it could only have been born in this city, I bet whoever invented Bossa Nova was looking at the sea.
A warm hug from your sister who loves you very much.
Jacqueline.
I liked this small set, I found it unique, poetic. Like Rio de Janeiro.
