1860 View of the Puebla de Zaragoza (Los Angeles) w/ Popocatépetl, Mexico

This is Isidore-Laurent Deroy's c. 1860 view of Puebla, Mexico, here called by its alternative name Puebla de los Ángeles, with a view of the volcano Popocatépetl in the background. This view is frequently misrepresented as Los Angeles of California, but is in fact Puebla de Zaragoza, Mexico's fourth largest city. The view was issued during the French Intervention, in which Puebla played an important role, leading to widespread interest among the French populace.

A Closer Look

The view looks roughly eastward on Puebla. Several partially ruined buildings in a rustic setting occupy the foreground. In the midground, many of Puebla's iconic churches are visible, including the Basilica Cathedral of Puebla (center), the La Compañía (left), and the Temple of La Soledad (right). Popocatépetl, Mexico's second-largest active volcano, rises in the background at left, while the smaller Izta-popo appears at right.

Historical Context

In the 1860s, Puebla was the focal point of several historical events, particularly the May 5, 1862, Battle of Puebla. This period was marked by the French Intervention in Mexico, an imperialist venture initiated by Napoleon III (1808 - 1873), aiming to establish a French-dominated empire in Latin America. Puebla, with its strategic location, became the scene of a remarkable confrontation where a Mexican army under General Ignacio Zaragoza, significantly outnumbered and less equipped, defeated the invading French forces. This victory, although not decisive in the long-term outcome of the French Intervention, became a symbol of Mexican resistance and unity. The event is commemorated annually as Cinco de Mayo, a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. Beyond the battlefield, Puebla in the 1860s was also undergoing social and economic changes, reflective of the broader transformations within Mexican society during this tumultuous era.

Publication History and Census

This view was engraved by Isidore-Laurent Deroy. There is a great deal of ambiguity regarding the date. Its overall accuracy suggests it was drawn from first-hand observation - or at least from a good photo. It bears a strong resemblance in style and typography to several views issued by Louis Le Breton, the dates of which are also extremely ambiguous, likely with multiple undifferentiated editions being printed, possibly as late as the early 20th century. Scarce on the market but well represented institutionally.