In the annals of maritime history, one name remained obscured for centuries—the extraordinary Jeanne Baret, the first woman to circumnavigate the globe. Unveiling a saga of disguise, daring, and devotion, Baret’s life was an odyssey replete with adventure and scientific triumphs.
Forgotten Firsts:
Despite her groundbreaking achievements, Jeanne Baret’s name languished in historical obscurity until recent times. The first woman to sail around the world, she left an indelible mark on botany, contributing significantly to the field during her daring voyages.
A Botanist’s Love Affair:
In 1766, Baret embarked on a historic Pacific Ocean expedition alongside her lover, the renowned botanist Philibert Commerçon. However, with French naval ships prohibiting women, Baret undertook a perilous endeavor—disguising herself as a man for the duration of the expedition.
Navigating Uncharted Waters:
Delve into the challenges Baret faced as a woman navigating the confines of an 18th-century, all-male sailing environment. Her journey, filled with trials and tribulations, paints a vivid picture of resilience and determination.
The Roots of a Trailblazer:
Born in 1740 in the humble village of La Comelle, Burgundy, France, Baret’s background predicted a life steeped in poverty. However, fate intervened when she encountered Commerçon, a luminary of the French Enlightenment, sparking a passionate collaboration in the world of botany.
The Expedition:
In 1766, Commerçon seized a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—a three-year voyage sponsored by Louis XV to sail around the world. Designated as the ‘Expedition Botanist,’ Commerçon brought Baret as his assistant, necessitating her ingenious disguise to breach the French Navy’s gender barriers.
The Art of Disguise:
Facing potential danger as the lone woman on the ship, Baret adopted the guise of a man named ‘Jean,’ her breasts bound with linen bandages. The ruse involved Commerçon feigning ignorance of their prior connection, appointing ‘Jean’ as his valet.
Discovering Jeanne’s True Identity:
While rumours circulated about ‘Jean’s’ true gender, it was in Tahiti, according to some accounts, that islanders confronted her. The expedition faced a perilous moment, raising questions about the authenticity of European narratives.
Legacy of Exploration:
Despite facing adversity, Baret’s botanical work thrived. In Rio de Janeiro, she and Commerçon discovered the Bougainvillaea vine, a testament to their scientific prowess. The couple’s journey continued through the Pacific, unraveling further botanical treasures.
Life Beyond the Expedition:
Post-expedition, Baret and Commerçon settled in Mauritius, exploring neighboring islands. Tragedy struck in 1773 when Commerçon passed away, leaving Baret to navigate life alone. Despite financial challenges, she returned to France in 1774, completing her extraordinary circumnavigation.
A Scientific Legacy:
Jeanne Baret, an unsung heroine, collected over 6,000 plant specimens, identifying numerous new species during her travels. Her contributions to botany resonate in museums, research institutes, and seed banks worldwide, enriching our understanding of the natural world.
Unveiling the Forgotten Heroine:
In 2012, Solanum Baretiae, a species of nightshade, finally bore her name. A mountain range on Pluto received the honor in 2018 from the International Astronomical Union. Jeanne Baret, a beacon of scientific achievement, stands vindicated in history.
