Large Old Map of Argentina by Nolte, 1876: Andes, Buenos Aires, Railroads, Rio de la Plata

The "Nuevo Mapa de la República Argentina," crafted by the skilled hands of A. de Seelstrang and A. Tourmente and published by Ernst Nolte, is a remarkable cartographic achievement from 1886. This map captures a transformative period in Argentine history, when the nation was burgeoning with growth and European influence. It elegantly delineates the political and physical landscapes of Argentina and southern Chile, providing a window into a time when the country was expanding its territories and infrastructure. The map is a testament to Argentina's ambitions and its evolving identity as a nation of opportunity.

Ernst Nolte, the publisher, played a crucial role in bringing this detailed depiction to life. His work coincided with Argentina's post-civil war era, marked by the adoption of a new constitution in 1853 and the presidency of Domingo Faustino Sarmiento. Sarmiento's vision of integrating Argentina into the global economy is reflected in the map's meticulous illustration of railroads and telegraph lines, essential for trade and communication. Nolte's publication not only documented geographical changes but also mirrored the socio-economic shifts of the time.

The map beautifully captures the diverse geographical features of the region, from the majestic Andes Mountain Range to the expansive Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It highlights the strategic Rio de la Plata, a vital waterway for trade and transport. The inset of Isla de los Estados adds a unique touch, offering further insight into the intricate geography of the area. These natural landmarks are more than just physical features; they are integral to understanding the historical and economic context of the late 19th century.

Cities and towns such as Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Rosario are prominently marked, showcasing the urban growth and development spurred by European immigration. These settlements became melting pots of culture and innovation, driving Argentina's emergence as a major agricultural exporter. The map's depiction of these urban centers is a reflection of the vibrant, cosmopolitan society that was taking shape, enriched by the influx of European customs and traditions.

The "Nuevo Mapa de la República Argentina" is not just a map; it is a narrative of a nation's journey towards modernity and prosperity. It offers a rare glimpse into a pivotal era when Argentina was carving out its place on the world stage. This map is a collector's treasure, capturing the essence of a time when borders were redrawn, economies flourished, and a diverse cultural tapestry was woven across the land.

Cities and towns on this map

• Argentina
• Buenos Aires
• Córdoba
• Rosario
• Mendoza
• La Plata
• San Miguel de Tucumán
• Salta

• Santa Fe

• Chile

• Santiago
• Valparaíso

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Inset maps: Includes an inset of Isla de los Estados.
• Bodies of water: Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Rio de la Plata.
• Borders: Borders with Chile and Uruguay are visible.
• Mountains: Andes Mountain Range is prominently depicted.
• Other features: Railroads and telegraph lines are marked.

Historical and design context

• Created during a period of significant growth and European immigration to Argentina.
• Reflects the expansion of Argentina during the "Conquest of the Desert."
• Illustrates the development of the railway network and telegraph lines, pivotal for trade and movement.
• Represents Argentina's transformation into a nation with a growing international presence.
• Highlights the impact of European immigration on agriculture and culture.

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 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the undefined 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 customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

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 and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

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

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) 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).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

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, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

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 and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

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

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps and art prints look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.