- Title: Plan de la Fameuse et Nouvelle Ville de Mexique
- Author: Nicolas de Fer
- Date: 1715
- Condition: See description
- Inches: 13 x 9 [Image]
- Centimeters: 33.02 x 22.86 [Image]
- Product ID: 308279
Fine Map of Colonial Mexico City
Detailed early 18th century plan of Mexico City from de Fer’s Atlas Curieux. While it may be challenging to correlate with the modern sprawling metropolis, it offers a valuable historical representation of the city's layout and features at that time.
This intricate plan depicts Mexico City during its prominence as the capital of New Spain, showcasing the city's importance in the expanding Spanish empire. The map highlights 48 key locations, although the accompanying text is not present. The Plaza Mayor and Mexico City Cathedral prominently feature at the center. The map illustrates Mexico City still situated within Lake Texcoco, connected to the surrounding shores by causeways. This representation reflects the city's unique geographical setting during the colonial era, preserving elements of its Aztec predecessor, Tenochtitlan. A notable landmark depicted on the map is Le Palais de Chapultepec (Chapultepec Palace), perched atop Chapultepec Hill. This inclusion emphasizes the palace's historical significance and its commanding position overlooking the city.
The plan offers a captivating glimpse into Mexico City's urban landscape during a period of growth and transformation. It provides valuable insights into the city's layout, major structures, and geographical context in the early 18th century, making it a significant historical document for understanding colonial Mexico City's development. A fascinating visual record of Mexico City's evolution from its Aztec origins to its role as the heart of New Spain, capturing a moment in time when the city was expanding and solidifying its position as a major center of Spanish colonial power in the Americas.
Background on Creator
Nicolas de Fer (1646-1720) was a prominent French cartographer and publisher who produced over 600 maps and atlases during his career. He held the prestigious position of "Geographe de le Dauphin," which granted him access to the most up-to-date cartographic information available.
Condition
Well inked impression on a sheet with minor toning and dampstaining along sheet's edges, well away from map image.