Augustus Earle (1793-1838) and the roles of humanism and science in interpreting the world and its peoples

The study aims to explore the play of humanism and science in Earle's travel art. Scholars have observed that his art was characterised by the intersubjectivity of the artist and the peoples he travelled amongst. That claim will be tested by comparing Earle's use of conventional techniques of scientific observation, his use of classical reference, and his habit of representing himself in a scene, with the practices of other travel artists. The larger context of investigation is the roles of humanism and science in shaping Western interpretations of the world and its peoples.