Very Early Mayan Archaeology Print - 1805 Dupaix Expedition King Charles lV

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 print is of 2 unknown pyramids. It measures 16.25" x 12" and shows the stamp of the Mexican government at center bottom below the print on the border. 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: 175 USD

Location: Saint Augustine, Florida

End Time: 2024-02-04T05:01:48.000Z

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