Chincha Islands, 1865, Lithograph on Paper

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This lithograph sheet presents both a map (Plano de las Islas de Chincha) and a coastal view (Vista de las … Read more This lithograph sheet presents both a map (Plano de las Islas de Chincha) and a coastal view (Vista de las Islas de Chincha) of the famed Chincha Islands, located off the southern coast of Peru. Issued in 1865 as part of Mariano Felipe Paz Soldán’s monumental Atlas Geográfico del Perú, this work was published in Paris by Lemercier and stands as the first comprehensive national atlas of Peru.
The upper image provides a detailed map of the Chincha archipelago, showing the three principal islands and their rocky formations, along with navigational notations. The lower image offers a dramatic seascape, with the islands rising steeply from the Pacific Ocean. Sailboats and larger vessels are depicted in the foreground, testifying to the busy maritime activity that surrounded these islands during the mid-19th century. The Chincha Islands held extraordinary importance in this period due to their immense guano deposits, which were highly prized as fertilizer. The guano boom of the mid-19th century made Peru one of the world’s largest exporters of natural fertilizer, and revenues from this trade significantly influenced the nation’s economy and politics. By including both a plan and a view, Paz Soldán highlighted the dual significance of the Chinchas—as geographical features and as vital economic assets. This plate offers not only a fine example of 19th-century lithographic artistry but also an important historical record of a resource that shaped Peru’s role in global trade.
Collectors of Latin American history and maritime prints will find this a key addition to any collection.

Condition report: Very good condition. Minor age toning in margins with a few small scattered foxing spots. Image areas clean with strong impressions. Plate mark visible, wide margins preserved. See less