Architecture & Design · 19th century
€ 210
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Condition report: Very good condition. Light toning and occasional foxing in the margins, not affecting the image. Clearly defined lines. Blank verso. Please review images carefully.
Plaza Santo Domingo Mexico City – Antique Architectural Engraving, 1867
This 19th-century engraving presents a detailed view of Plaza Santo Domingo in Mexico City, one of the city’s historic squares. Published in Louis Énault’s L’Amérique centrale et méridionale (Paris, 1867), the work was engraved by Outhwaite after a drawing by Raynond.
The scene captures the bustling life of the plaza, with numerous figures gathered in the square, vendors’ stalls along the edges, and people in traditional dress animating the urban space. At the far end, the imposing façade of the Santo Domingo Church rises prominently, its towers and ornamented baroque architecture dominating the composition. The surrounding colonial buildings frame the square, while flags and open windows add further detail to the depiction of everyday life in mid-19th century Mexico City.
Énault’s travel volumes sought to introduce French readers to the landscapes, architecture, and cultures of Central and South America. Images like this conveyed both the grandeur of colonial architecture and the vibrant life of public squares, giving European audiences a romanticized yet informative vision of Mexican cities.
This engraving is an excellent piece for collectors of Latin American history, Mexico City ephemera, and 19th-century architectural prints. It reflects both documentary value and artistic refinement, combining precise architectural representation with lively human detail.
Condition report: Very good condition. Light toning and occasional foxing in the margins, not affecting the image. Clearly defined lines. Blank verso. Please review images carefully.
Framing tips: Best displayed with a wide ivory or cream mount to highlight the architectural detail. A dark wood frame gives it gravitas, while a gilt frame enhances the ornate qualities of the baroque church. Double matting with a subtle grey or warm ochre inner line could echo the tones of stone and the life of the plaza.
Technique: Engraving
Maker: Raynond (del.), Outhwaite (sc.), published in Paris, 1867
