Rare Old Birdseye Map of Mexico City by Decaen, 1862: Cathedral, Tacuba, Parks, Mountains, Plaza Mayor

"La Ciudad de Mexico = The City of Mexico = La Ville de Mexico," created by Decaen Editor in 1862, is a remarkable bird's-eye view of Mexico City, capturing the essence of this vibrant metropolis during the mid-19th century. This sepia-colored lithograph, taken from a hot-air balloon, offers an unparalleled perspective of the city, showcasing its intricate urban layout and the surrounding landscape. The map is part of the esteemed "Atlas of Mexico," which includes 45 colored lithographed views, providing a comprehensive visual documentation of the region.

One of the most captivating aspects of this map is its detailed depiction of significant neighborhoods and landmarks. The large cathedral near the city center stands as a testament to the city's rich architectural heritage. Numerous other churches and religious buildings are meticulously illustrated, reflecting the cultural and spiritual heart of Mexico City. The map also highlights prominent streets such as Avenida Arcos de Belen and Calle de Tacuba, which were central to the city's daily life and commerce.

The map's portrayal of natural features adds another layer of interest. The large body of water visible at the bottom left and the multiple green spaces and parks scattered throughout the city offer a glimpse into the urban planning and recreational areas of the time. The mountains on the horizon provide a stunning backdrop, emphasizing Mexico City's unique geographical setting. These elements not only enhance the map's aesthetic appeal but also provide valuable insights into the city's landscape and environment.

Decaen Editor's work is not just a map but a historical document that captures the essence of Mexico City in the 19th century. The inclusion of Mexican figures in traditional dress, including "Mexican Indians," adds a cultural dimension to the map, reflecting the diverse and vibrant society of the time. The parallel titles in Spanish, English, and French indicate the map's broad intended audience, making it a valuable resource for historians, cartographers, and collectors alike.

In summary, "La Ciudad de Mexico = The City of Mexico = La Ville de Mexico" is a masterful representation of Mexico City, offering a detailed and culturally rich perspective of this iconic metropolis. Its intricate illustrations of buildings, roads, parks, and natural features, combined with its historical and cultural context, make it a fascinating and valuable addition to any collection of historical maps.

Streets and roads on this map

• Avenida Arcos de Belen
• Avenida San Antonio Abad
• Calle de la Profesa
• Calle de Loreto
• Calle de San Andres
• Calle de San Francisco
• Calle de Tacuba
• Calle de la Palma
• Calle del Colegio
• Calle del Factor
• Calle del Relox
• Calle del Refugio
• Calle de Vergara
• Calle de la Cadena
• Calle de la Santisima
• Calle de la Merced
• Calle de Jesus Maria
• Calle de Donceles
• Calle de Mesones
• Calle de la Encarnacion
• Calle de la Amargura
• Calle de Santa Clara
• Calle de San Agustin
• Calle de San Juan de Letran
• Calle de San Pedro y San Pablo
• Calle de Santo Domingo
• Plaza de Santo Domingo
• Plaza Mayor
• Plaza del Volador
• Plaza de la Constitucion

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Landmarks:
• Large cathedral near the city center.
• Several prominent churches and religious buildings.
• Lakes:
• A large body of water visible at the bottom left of the map.
• Large parks:
• Multiple green spaces and parks scattered throughout the city.
• Mountains:
• Visible on the horizon, providing a backdrop to the city.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: La Ciudad de Mexico = The City of Mexico = La Ville de Mexico
• Creation date: 1862
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Decaen Editor
• Interesting context about the mapmaker: Decaen Editor created this map as part of the "Atlas of Mexico," which includes various lithographed views of present-day Mexico City and Veracruz.
• Topics and themes shown on the map:
• Bird's-eye view: The map provides a bird's-eye perspective of Mexico City, taken from a hot-air balloon.
• Detailed cityscape: It shows individual buildings, parks, roads, and the surrounding landscape, including mountains on the horizon.
• Cultural elements: The atlas includes depictions of Mexican figures in traditional dress, including "Mexican Indians."
• Countries and regions shown on the map: Primarily Mexico City, with a view extending to the surrounding regions and mountains.
• Design/Style:
• Sepia-colored lithograph: The map is in sepia tones, giving it an antique appearance.
• Detailed illustrations: The map includes detailed illustrations of buildings, roads, parks, and vegetation.
• Parallel titles: Titles are presented in Spanish, English, and French, indicating a broad intended audience.
• Historical significance/context:
• Mid-19th century Mexico: The map provides a historical snapshot of Mexico City during the mid-19th century, showcasing its urban development and landscape.
• Part of an atlas: This map is part of a larger collection, the "Atlas of Mexico," which includes 45 colored lithographed views, providing a comprehensive visual documentation of the region during that period.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.