Hand-colored lithograph views of Cajamarca – Santa Catalina Church & Thermal Springs, 1865
Description: This finely hand-colored lithograph sheet features two important scenes from Cajamarca, published in 1865 in Mariano Felipe Paz Soldán’s Atlas Geográfico del Perú. As the first national atlas of Peru, printed in Paris by Lemercier, this monumental work combined maps and views to document the country’s geography, cities, and landmarks in unprecedented detail.
The upper view depicts Santa Catalina, the main church of Cajamarca, known as the Iglesia Matriz. Its façade reflects the influence of late colonial baroque design, with sculpted niches, towers, and arched entrances. Figures in traditional dress are shown in the plaza before the church, lending a sense of scale and everyday life to the architectural setting. The image captures the church as a focal point of religious and civic identity in the Andean highland city.
The lower view shows the Aguas Termales de Cajamarca, the famed thermal springs located near the city. These hot springs have been celebrated since pre-Columbian times and are associated with the dramatic events of the Spanish conquest: it was here that Atahualpa, the last Inca emperor, is said to have bathed shortly before his capture. The lithograph depicts the pools set within the highland landscape, with hills rising in the distance and figures approaching the waters.
Together, these images highlight Cajamarca’s unique blend of colonial and indigenous heritage—its enduring baroque church architecture and its natural springs steeped in history. For collectors, this double view offers both artistic charm and valuable historical context from one of Peru’s most significant 19th-century illustrated works.
Condition report: Very good condition. Original hand-coloring well preserved with natural tones. Light foxing and faint toning in margins, not affecting the images. Plate mark visible, wide margins intact.
Framing tips: This vertical double composition is well-suited to a tall frame. A cream or ivory mat will accentuate the hand-coloring, while a dark walnut or black frame will provide contrast. A double mat with a thin ochre or muted green inner line would echo the earthy and natural tones of the landscape.
Technique: Hand-colored lithograph with tint stone Maker: Mariano Felipe Paz Soldán, Paris, 1865
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