Pair of paintings depicting views of Madagascar, Macaux, 1876

This pair of paintings depicting views of Madagascar was created by the artist Macaux in 1876, during the 19th century. Visually, the compositions are set within moulded frames featuring a gilded finish. The first scene depicts a coastal landscape dominated by a rocky peak and dense vegetation, notably featuring palm trees and canoes near the riverbanks. The second composition depicts a tree-lined shoreline at dusk, brought to life by a campfire in the foreground and a traditional boat sailing on the water. In 1876, Madagascar was still an independent kingdom ruled by Queen Ranavalona II and Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony, characterised by increasing Westernisation before coming under French colonial administration twenty years later.