Jean-Baptiste Debret (1768–1848) was a French painter and lithographer, trained under Jacques-Louis David. He received second prize at the 1798 Salon des Beaux Arts. In 1816, Debret traveled to Brazil as part of the French Artistic Mission, remaining until 1831. During this period, he dedicated himself to painting and artistic administration, producing numerous lithographs.
Debret's work in Brazil focused on portraying the local society, including landscapes, indigenous populations, African slaves, and European inhabitants. His detailed lithographs captured aspects of Brazilian nature, human life, and social structures in the early 19th century. He consistently highlighted the significant presence of enslaved people in his depictions.
Upon his return to France, Debret published "Voyage pittoresque et historique au Brésil" (1834-1839), a comprehensive work showcasing his observations of the country's nature, people, and society. His contributions to documenting early 19th-century Brazil earned him recognition as the Patron of the 22nd chair of the Brazilian Academy of Fine Arts.
