|
||
|
|
|
|
Carl Nebel’s lithograph Ruinas de la Pirámide de Xochicalco captures the grandeur of the Pyramid of the Plumed Serpents at Xochicalco, in Morelos, Mexico. The pyramid, adorned with carvings of Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent deity, reflects the city’s prominence during the Epiclassic Period (circa 600–900 AD), when Xochicalco flourished as a fortified religious and political hub after the decline of neighboring Classic Period civilizations like Teotihuacan.
Several figures are depicted at the base of the Pyramid of the Plumed Serpents, adding a sense of scale and human interaction to the ruins. Two seated individuals appear to be studying or sketching the intricate carvings, while two others, one holding a staff, stand engaged in conversation, possibly discussing the significance of the site. These figures emphasize the scholarly and exploratory interest in Mesoamerican antiquities during Nebel's time.
The lithograph was created by Carl Nebel and published in Paris in 1836 as part of his Voyage Pittoresque et Archéologique, which documented pre-Columbian ruins and landscapes throughout Mexico.
Nebel’s detailed illustration highlights the intricate artistry of the site, which remains well-preserved and has achieved UNESCO World Heritage status for its archaeological and cultural importance.
Carl Nebel's Voyage Pittoresque (Paris, 1836)
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.
Carl Nebel (1805-1855) was a German artist and lithographer known for his detailed and vivid depictions of Mexico in the mid-19th century. After traveling to Mexico in the 1820s, Nebel captured the country's landscapes, architecture, and everyday life through a series of lithographic views that gained widespread acclaim. His most notable work, Voyage pittoresque et archéologique dans la partie la plus intéressante du Méxique (1836), featured 50 hand-colored lithographs that offered European audiences a rare visual insight into Mexican culture and scenery. Nebel's work was characterized by uncommon attention to detail and color, making his lithographs important visual documents that chronicled Mexico during a period of significant social and political change. His work was also featured in The War Between the United States and Mexico (1851), perhaps the most ambitious color plate book of the Mexican War, on which he collaborated with George Wilkins Kendall.
![[Texas, Louisiana, Gulf Coast & Yucatan]](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/109040.jpg)
