Five exceptional photographs reveal 19th-century Madeira.

• Five old photographs of Madeira Island.
• 17.5 cm x 25 cm.
• 19th century.
• Good condition, although the images are slightly faded.
• Unique set.

These five old photographs of Madeira Island are very rare examples from the late 19th century. Although the inscription "1842" appears on the back of the photographs, it is highly unlikely that these images were taken in that year. In 1842, photography was still in its infancy, and existing processes, such as the daguerreotype, did not allow for paper copies like those seen in the images. The photographs presented have characteristics typical of albumen paper copies mounted on cardboard, common between 1865 and 1890. The inscription on the back may have another meaning, such as a personal reference or an error. Therefore, this is a valuable set of 19th-century images, but certainly post-1842.

The first image shows a large steamship anchored in Funchal Bay, with the city in the background nestled against the mountains; it's a scene typical of the time when Madeira was a port of call for transatlantic ships.

The second, more faded image depicts a stone bridge over a stream amid a mountainous, wooded landscape, a testament to local civil engineering and the island's rugged geography.

The third photograph reveals an elegant paddle-wheel vessel, likely a British luxury steamer, anchored near a cliff with buildings, possibly on the south coast of the island.

The fourth image is one of the most ethnographically valuable: we see a small group of people - including women with baskets on their heads - next to a thatched hut, illustrating aspects of rural life in Madeira.

The last photograph is an urban view, probably of downtown Funchal, with two-story buildings, an ox-drawn carriage, and several human figures in period costume, a vivid portrayal of the daily life of the local elite and working class.

In the 19th century and earlier, Madeira Island maintained deep ties with Brazil, marked by constant migration, maritime trade, and family connections. Thousands of Madeirans emigrated to Brazil, especially to Rio de Janeiro, Bahia, and the south of the country, bringing with them traditions and strengthening cultural ties. Photography emerged as an important visual link in this relationship: portraits taken in Funchal studios were sent to relatives in Brazil, while travelers and merchants took images of the island as souvenirs.

These images are visual documents of great historical and cultural value, capturing the landscape, transport, architecture and way of life in 19th-century Madeira.