Description: In the year 1805 King Charles IV of Spain ordered an exploratory mission to document the cities of the ancient Maya before they crumbled into the Earth. That mission lasted until 1807 and it involved 3 separate expeditions into the remote and unexplored territory of the lost Mayan ruined cities. It was led by a French military Captain who had previously explored the ancient ruins of Egypt for Napoleon Bonaparte. He was accompanied by a renowned artist (Jose Luciano Castaneda) of archeological expeditions throughout Europe. At that time European society was engrossed with Classical archaeology following Bonaparte's Egyptian adventure and the discovery of Pompeii. After their third venture into the wilderness the expedition party was placed under house arrest for suspicion of espionage by the Mexican government. All drawings and documents of the expedition disappeared. Sometime before 1834 they showed up in France and were published by Henri Baradere. The set of two elephant folio volumes were lithographically printed in various sumptuous paper and bindings for the wealthy and for royalty at request of the customers. Today the set goes for between $10,000.00 and $100,000.00 depending upon condition and the printing option of the set. Several years ago I purchased a folio of the prints at auction. I was pleased to have been able to purchase them and also disappointed that someone actually cut up one of these sets. This measures 16.25" x 12"' The artists rendition of some of these prints displays the popular thinking throughout the 19th century that the native Mayans could not have possibly built the ancient ruined cities and that they were some how built by an ancient race of Indo European descent. The color is better than my photo. It is brilliant. the paper shows slight foxing. Excellent condition for a 190 year old print. This is real history and looks great framed and displayed in a home. I have several of these prints on my walls.
Price: 75 USD
Location: Saint Augustine, Florida
End Time: 2024-12-05T23:06:59.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Artist: Jose Luciano Castaneda
Type: Print
Year of Production: 1834
Theme: Exploration
Style: Realism
Features: Limited Edition
Material: Paper
Production Technique: Lithography
Original/Licensed Reprint: Original
Subject: Early Mayan Archaeology
