Matthew Barreto has written an essay, which can be read here, about Clovis-Alexandre Desvarieux’s October 2023 visit to the Blacker Wood Natural History Collection at the McGill Library. The essay is accompanied by photos taken by Alex Tran.
During his visit, Clovis-Alexandre explored the 18th-century natural history drawings of René-Gabriel de Rabié, which depict the rich biodiversity of Saint-Domingue (modern-day Haiti). The essay highlights Clovis-Alexandre’s reflections on de Rabié’s work, especially its delicate balance between documenting the island’s natural beauty and the impact of colonialism. From the intricate watercolours of fish, birds, and plants to the relationship between enslaved workers and the collection’s specimens, Clovis brings his unique perspective to this historic archive. His insights also draw attention to the ongoing ecological challenges in Haiti, making connections between the historical drawings and the modern environmental landscape. The essay emphasizes the importance of preserving both the artwork and the traditional environmental knowledge it contains.
Hidden Hands in Colonial Natural Histories 