Essays: carl-nebel's-voyage-pittoresque-(paris,-1836)
Introduction: Carl Nebel's 1836 book Voyage Pittoresque et Archéologique is a landmark in the artistic documentation of Mexico, blending romanticized portrayals with a keen observational eye. A German architect and painter, Nebel arrived in Mexico in 1829, inspired by writings of explorers and chroniclers such as Humboldt and Bernal Díaz del Castillo. Indeed, Humboldt would publicly praise Nebel's "arduous and important" Mexican work. Over five years, Nebel traveled extensively, capturing scenes in Puebla, Guadalajara, Zacatecas, and Mexico City, among other regions. Back in Paris, he created a book of 50 lithographs, many of which were hand-colored, depicting both archaeological sites and the contemporary life of a nation newly visible to European travelers. His work reflects the allure of the picturesque through a methodical approach, representing Mexico’s landscapes, people, and architecture, appealing to the European fascination with the Americas during a period of increasing accessibility.
The lithographs in Voyage Pittoresque reveal Nebel’s dual focus on archaeological ruins and the diverse inhabitants of Mexico, showcasing his ability to blend artistry with ethnographic detail. In illustrating the people of Mexico, he often depicted indigenous groups and working-class mestizos. Notably, his surviving watercolors, which served as the basis for the lithographs, show subtle differences from the published prints, with the latter darkening skin tones and altering costume details to enhance their market appeal. These changes highlight the collaborative process between Nebel and the lithographers, as well as the technical constraints and artistic decisions that shaped the final images. The resulting lithographs offered European audiences an idealized yet vivid vision of Mexico, reflecting both its rich history and the realities of its modern inhabitants.
The plates were made at two separate Paris lithographic establishments: Lemercier, Bernard et Cie. and Frédéric Mialhe. Individual lithographs are signed by Arnoul, Emile Lasalle, and others signed by Cuvillier (for the architecture) and Lehnert (for the figures).
Nebel’s influence extended beyond Voyage Pittoresque. His reputation as a visual chronicler of Mexico was also highlighted in his later collaboration with George Wilkin Kendall on The War Between the United States and Mexico Illustrated (1851). This work included 12 hand-colored lithographs of key battles, derived from Nebel's paintings, which became widely reproduced. These images shaped contemporary and later understandings of the Mexican-American War, cementing Nebel’s legacy as a key figure in 19th-century historical and artistic documentation. Through his works, Nebel offered Europe a window into the vibrant and complex world of Mexico, capturing the interplay of its ancient heritage and its evolving modern identity.
Size:
14 x 9 inches (including text)
Size:
14 x 9 inches (including text)