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French Explorer Collection

French explorers have left an indelible mark on history, their daring expeditions and discoveries shaping the world we know today

Background imageFrench Explorer Collection: Narina, a young Gonaqua woman in the Kok's Kraal area of the Eastern Cape

Narina, a young Gonaqua woman in the Kok's Kraal area of the Eastern Cape
FLO4722710 Narina, a young Gonaqua woman in the Kok's Kraal area of the Eastern Cape. English explorer Francois Le Vailllant became infatuated with Her.from Francois Le Vaillant (Levaillant)

Background imageFrench Explorer Collection: La Salle taking possession of Louisiana, illustration from This Country of Ours

La Salle taking possession of Louisiana, illustration from This Country of Ours, The Story of the United States by H
STC232168 La Salle taking possession of Louisiana, illustration from This Country of Ours, The Story of the United States by H.E. Marshall, 1917 (colour litho) by Michael, Arthur C

Background imageFrench Explorer Collection: La Perouse at Port Francesci (colour engraving)

La Perouse at Port Francesci (colour engraving)
STC109067 La Perouse at Port Francesci (colour engraving) by Rossi, L.A. (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Jean Francois de Galaup (1741-88); ); The Stapleton Collection; Italian

Background imageFrench Explorer Collection: Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza (1852-1905) 1886 (oil on canvas)

Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza (1852-1905) 1886 (oil on canvas)
CHT174335 Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza (1852-1905) 1886 (oil on canvas) by Monchablon, Xavier Alphonse (1835-1907); Musee des Arts d Afrique et d Oceanie, Paris, France; eArchives Charmet; French

Background imageFrench Explorer Collection: Pierre Paul Francois Camille Savorgnan de Brazza (1852-1905) (b / w photo)

Pierre Paul Francois Camille Savorgnan de Brazza (1852-1905) (b / w photo)
CHT169391 Pierre Paul Francois Camille Savorgnan de Brazza (1852-1905) (b/w photo) by French Photographer, (19th century); Musee des Arts d Afrique et d Oceanie, Paris

Background imageFrench Explorer Collection: La Salle Christening the country Louisiana, published in Harpers Magazine

La Salle Christening the country Louisiana, published in Harpers Magazine
STC306734 La Salle Christening the country Louisiana, published in Harpers Magazine, 1905 (colour litho) by Pyle, Howard (1853-1911); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageFrench Explorer Collection: Statue of Jean Francois de Galaup (1741-88) Count of La Perouse in Place Laperouse (photo

Statue of Jean Francois de Galaup (1741-88) Count of La Perouse in Place Laperouse (photo
XIR243484 Statue of Jean Francois de Galaup (1741-88) Count of La Perouse in Place Laperouse (photo) by Raggi, Nicolas Bernard (1790-1862); Albi, Tarn, France; French, out of copyright

Background imageFrench Explorer Collection: Claude Joseph Desire Charnay (1828-1915), illustration from Le Tour du Monde

Claude Joseph Desire Charnay (1828-1915), illustration from Le Tour du Monde
CHT207738 Claude Joseph Desire Charnay (1828-1915), illustration from Le Tour du Monde, 1862 (engraving) (b/w photo) by French School, (19th century); Bibliotheque des Arts Decoratifs, Paris

Background imageFrench Explorer Collection: The Adventure Cruise Wharf in Bruny Island, Tasmania, Australia

The Adventure Cruise Wharf in Bruny Island, Tasmania, Australia
View of the Adventure Cruise Wharf in Bruny Island which is an island off the south-eastern coast of Tasmania

Background imageFrench Explorer Collection: Emile Gentil (1866-1914) 1899 (oil on canvas)

Emile Gentil (1866-1914) 1899 (oil on canvas)
XIR232892 Emile Gentil (1866-1914) 1899 (oil on canvas) by Merwart, Paul (1855-1902); Musee du Quai Branly et des Arts Premiers, Paris, France; Polish, out of copyright

Background imageFrench Explorer Collection: Samuel de Champlain (1567-1635) 1854 (engraving)

Samuel de Champlain (1567-1635) 1854 (engraving)
XIR187048 Samuel de Champlain (1567-1635) 1854 (engraving) by Ducornet, Louis Joseph Cesar (1806-56); Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris, France; French, out of copyright

Background imageFrench Explorer Collection: Pierre Sonnerat Drawing a Bird, from Voyage a la Nouvelle-Guinee, engraved

Pierre Sonnerat Drawing a Bird, from Voyage a la Nouvelle-Guinee, engraved
XIR164884 Pierre Sonnerat Drawing a Bird, from Voyage a la Nouvelle-Guinee, engraved by Marie Therese Martinet (b.1731) 1776 (engraving) (b/w photo) by Sonnerat

Background imageFrench Explorer Collection: Jacques Cartier (1491-1557) Discovering the St

Jacques Cartier (1491-1557) Discovering the St
XIR159121 Jacques Cartier (1491-1557) Discovering the St. Lawrence River in 1535, 1847 (oil on canvas) by Gudin, Jean Antoine Theodore (1802-80); ChAteau de Versailles

Background imageFrench Explorer Collection: La Salles Landing in Texas (engraving) (b / w photo)

La Salles Landing in Texas (engraving) (b / w photo)
BAL111689 La Salles Landing in Texas (engraving) (b/w photo) by American School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: claimed area watered by the Mississippi for Louis XIV of France)

Background imageFrench Explorer Collection: Expedition of Robert Cavelier de La Salle (1643-87) in Louisiana in 1684, 1844 (oil

Expedition of Robert Cavelier de La Salle (1643-87) in Louisiana in 1684, 1844 (oil
XIR173137 Expedition of Robert Cavelier de La Salle (1643-87) in Louisiana in 1684, 1844 (oil on canvas) by Gudin, Jean Antoine Theodore (1802-80); 167x228 cm; ChAteau de Versailles, France; French

Background imageFrench Explorer Collection: Jacques Cartier (1491-1557) illustration from Volume IV of Narrative and Critical

Jacques Cartier (1491-1557) illustration from Volume IV of Narrative and Critical
BAL110204 Jacques Cartier (1491-1557) illustration from Volume IV of Narrative and Critical History of America, 1886 (engraving) by English School



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French explorers have left an indelible mark on history, their daring expeditions and discoveries shaping the world we know today. From the dramatic events surrounding the assassination of La Salle to La Perouse's exploration of Port Francesci, these intrepid adventurers pushed boundaries and expanded our understanding of the world. In Francis Parkman's illustration, "The Assassination of La Salle, " we witness a tragic moment in French exploration. The lithograph captures the tension and turmoil that surrounded this influential figure's untimely demise. Another captivating scene unfolds in H. E. Marshall's colorful lithograph titled "La Salle taking possession of Louisiana. " This image depicts a pivotal moment as La Salle claims this vast territory for France, forever altering its destiny. Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, depicted in an oil painting from 1886, exemplifies the spirit of adventure that defined French explorers. His determination led him to explore uncharted lands and establish connections with indigenous peoples. A black-and-white photograph showcases Pierre Paul Francois Camille Savorgnan de Brazza, capturing his stoic presence and unwavering commitment to discovery. Harper Magazine published a striking image titled "La Salle Christening the country Louisiana, " highlighting another significant event in French exploration. This engraving immortalizes the baptismal act that gave birth to one of America's most iconic regions. Jean Francois de Galaup is honored with a statue in Place Laperouse—a testament to his contributions as an explorer. This photo reminds us of his courage and dedication to charting unknown waters. Claude Joseph Desire Charnay is celebrated for his archaeological endeavors through Le Tour du Monde magazine’s illustration. His work shed light on ancient civilizations and helped unravel mysteries buried deep within history's embrace. Rene Caille immersed himself in Islamic culture during his travels—an enlightening journey captured beautifully by Journal d'. As he ponders over religious texts, we witness the intellectual curiosity that drove him to document his experiences.