"[Lot of 2] Ancien Mexico [and] Ville de St. Domingue", Chedel, F.

This fascinating lot features two uncommon copper engraved views, one of Mexico City, the other of Santo Domingo. Both are surrounded by a ruled border with the titles held in a ribbon along the bottom. Size varies slightly.

A. Ancien Mexico. This bird's-eye view depicts Mexico City or Tenochtitlan as it was before its destruction by the conquistador Hernan Cortes. The city's complex of islands and bridges is well rendered, as is the surrounding mountainous terrain. In the foreground there are Spanish explorers moving toward the city.

B. Ville de St. Domingue. This birds-eye view of Santo Domingo shows sailing ships and sailboats in the harbor and the city stretched out to the horizon. The fortified city is protected by the sea and the Isabelle River with a complex of walls, towers, and a wide moat. The central plaza features the cathedral, and some poor soul has been hung in the gallows on the southeast shore.

References:

Condition: B+

Both issued folding, now flat, with very light soiling. There is a fold separation in the left blank margin of the Santo Domingo plan.