Mid-19th C. Chromolithograph – Mexico y Sus Alrededores- Lot 499, Auction 8/26/2019
Shop

Mid-19th C. Chromolithograph – Mexico y Sus Alrededores- Lot 499, Auction 8/26/2019

Sold

Casimiro Castro (Mexican, 1826-1889), an illustrated title page for “Mexico y Sus Alrededores. Vistas, Trajes y Monumentos” (Mexico and Its Surroundings, Views, Costumes, and Monuments), issued between 1855 and 1869, V. Debray, editor. A stunning chromolithograph that served as the title page for a rare book about Mexico during the golden era of pictorial travel books that provided documentary descriptions of the great civilizations of Mesoamerica. This chromolithograph (different from the colored lithographs within the volume) was attained via a special process using anywhere from eight to forty stones, one for each color. The chromist was someone who specialized in analyzing the piece and breaking down the colors necessary to recreate a painting in ink. Note the lustrous gold tones of the background and the word “Mexico”, the rich green cacti and pink blossoms, the many details as well as the subtle modeling evident in the figures, flora, and sculpture. Size: sheet measures 10.25″ W x 13.875″ H (26 cm x 35.2 cm); 16″ W x 19.75″ H (40.6 cm x 50.2 cm) with mat

Casimiro Castro was a Mexican artist who was revered for his landscapes in nineteenth century Mexico. He studied at the Academy of San Carlos in Mexico City, under the tutelage of Italian-born Pietro Gualdi. “Mexico y Sus Alrededores” was his most significant project. It included 42 plates depicting Mexico City and its surroundings, the people and their beautiful attire, the decorative architectural facades, and the impressive monuments – 31 by Castro and some by Juan Campillo. Most emphasis was placed upon the images as opposed to descriptive text. The handsome volume was given to Maximilian Hapsburg, as he was preparing to become emperor of Mexico.

Condition: There is a 2.75″ tear from the mid-right edge. A couple of losses at center and left edge of image as shown. Otherwise imagery is vivid and strong. Paper show normal foxing in margins.

Provenance: private Lucille Lucas collection, Crested Butte, Colorado, USA

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all purchases.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

Category: