Mariano Felipe Paz Soldán, Views of Lima Penitentiary & San Francisco Convent, 1865, Print

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Antique lithograph views of Lima – Penitentiary & San Francisco Convent, 1865 : This lithograph sheet features two important architectural … Read more Antique lithograph views of Lima – Penitentiary & San Francisco Convent, 1865 : This lithograph sheet features two important architectural views of Lima, published in 1865 in Mariano Felipe Paz Soldán’s *Atlas Geográfico del Perú*. Printed in Paris by Lemercier, the atlas combined maps and views to illustrate the geography, cities, and monuments of Peru in the 19th century. The upper image depicts the *Penitenciaría de Lima*, the penitentiary established in the mid-19th century as part of Peru’s early penal reforms. The austere façade and flag emphasize the institution’s role as both a symbol of authority and a mark of modernization in Lima’s civic architecture. The lower image presents the *Primer Claustro del Convento de San Francisco*, the first cloister of the historic Franciscan convent in Lima. Built in the 16th century and reconstructed in the baroque style, the convent is among the city’s most iconic landmarks. The lithograph captures the elegant arcades of the two-level cloister, with richly detailed arches and columns framing the inner courtyard, conveying the grandeur and artistry of colonial religious architecture. Together, the two images highlight contrasting aspects of Lima’s built environment: the rigid discipline of modern institutions alongside the ornate beauty of colonial religious life. They offer valuable documentary insight into the city’s architectural and cultural heritage at a pivotal moment in its history. Condition report: Very good condition. Mild age toning and a few scattered foxing spots in margins. Strong impressions with wide margins and visible plate mark. Framing tips: This vertical double composition is best framed with a wide cream or ivory mat that balances both images. A dark wood or black frame will add definition, while a thin gold inner line can enhance the architectural detailing of the cloister view. Technique: Lithograph with tint stone Maker: Mariano Felipe Paz Soldán, Paris, 1865 See less