Lima, 1865, Paper

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Antique lithograph views of Lima, Peru – Paseo de los Descalzos & Calle de Mercaderes, 1865 This lithograph sheet presents … Read more Antique lithograph views of Lima, Peru – Paseo de los Descalzos & Calle de Mercaderes, 1865 This lithograph sheet presents two distinct urban views of Lima, published in 1865 in Mariano Felipe Paz Soldán’s Atlas Geográfico del Perú. The atlas, printed in Paris by Lemercier, was the first comprehensive atlas of Peru and included a combination of maps and city views designed to showcase the nation’s geography, culture, and architecture. The upper image depicts the Paseo de la Alameda de los Descalzos, a tree-lined promenade leading to the Convento de los Descalzos, established in the 17th century at the foot of San Cristóbal hill. Statues adorn the entrance, while groups of elegantly dressed figures stroll along the wide avenue. The scene captures the blend of natural beauty, religious architecture, and civic space that made the Alameda a favorite leisure site for Limeños in the 19th century. The lower image shows the Calle de Mercaderes, one of Lima’s most important commercial streets during the colonial and republican eras. The view emphasizes the characteristic wooden balconies projecting over the street, a hallmark of Lima’s architectural identity. A central dome rises in the background, while rows of shop awnings highlight the commercial vibrancy of this thoroughfare. This perspective provides a rare glimpse into daily urban life in 19th-century Lima, where architecture, trade, and social interaction intertwined. Together, these paired views offer a valuable document of Lima’s cultural and architectural heritage at a moment when the city was modernizing but still retained its colonial fabric. Collectors of Latin American history and urban iconography will recognize this print as an exceptional piece from one of Peru’s most significant illustrated works. Condition report: Very good condition. Light age toning and minor foxing in margins, well away from the images. Strong impressions with sepia tint stone. Plate mark visible, wide margins preserved. Framing tips: Because this sheet contains two images, it is best displayed in a vertical format frame with a generous mat. A light cream or ivory mat will help balance the sepia tones. A dark wooden frame, possibly with a thin gold inner border, would highlight the architectural details and lend the piece a museum-quality presence. Technique: Lithograph with tint stone Maker: Mariano Felipe Paz Soldán, Paris, 1865 See less