Map and View of the Chincha Islands, 1865

Details

Description

Hand-colored lithograph map and view of the Chincha Islands, Peru – 1865 This original hand-colored lithograph sheet presents both a … Read more Hand-colored lithograph map and view of the Chincha Islands, Peru – 1865 This original hand-colored lithograph sheet presents both a map (Plano de las Islas de Chincha) and a panoramic coastal view (Vista de las Islas de Chincha), published in 1865 in Mariano Felipe Paz Soldán’s Atlas Geográfico del Perú. Printed in Paris by Lemercier, this atlas was the first national atlas of Peru and remains one of the most important illustrated works on the country from the 19th century. The upper section shows a delicately hand-colored map of the three Chincha Islands, highlighting their rugged coastlines and navigational features. The lower section presents a lively coastal scene: ships and smaller sailing vessels move across calm waters, with the rocky mass of the islands rising dramatically in the background. The application of color enhances the naturalistic qualities of the sea, sky, and rock formations, lending depth and visual vibrancy to the composition. The Chincha Islands were of immense historical importance in the mid-19th century due to their vast guano deposits, a resource that transformed Peru into a major global exporter of fertilizer. Revenue from guano exports funded infrastructure, modernization, and public works across Peru, making the Chincha Islands central to both economic prosperity and international diplomacy. This hand-colored plate is especially desirable, as most examples of Paz Soldán’s atlas were issued in plain tint stone. Collectors of Latin American history, economic history, and maritime art will appreciate this print both for its rarity and its documentary value. Condition report: Good condition. Original hand-coloring well preserved and fresh. Vertical flattened crease visible. Light foxing in the margins, typical for 19th-century paper, not affecting the images. Wide margins intact with plate mark visible. Framing tips: This double composition should be framed vertically, allowing both the map and the coastal view to be fully appreciated. A cream or off-white mat will bring out the subtle hand-coloring, while a dark wood or black frame will add contrast. A thin inner mat in muted sea green or ochre could complement the natural tones of the lithograph. Technique: Hand-colored lithograph with tint stone Maker: Mariano Felipe Paz Soldán, Paris, 1865 See less