Produced by noted Cuban geographer José María de la Torre y de la Torre, this stunning depiction of Havana in the mid-nineteenth century shows the iconic Caribbean city in a period of significant importance both culturally and economically. By this time, Havana had come to be known as the Paris of the Antilles because of its contemporary fashions and notable architecture. De la Torre’s map is noteworthy due to his inclusion of house and street numbers which allows historians to develop a comprehensive view of the residents, merchants, and other prominent civic buildings. This piece bears a distinctive aesthetic with ornate flourishes and insets that immediately transports the viewer back in time, creating an indelible bond between the past and present.
The thriving port and sugar cane fields spurred one of the largest economies in the Caribbean as Cuba was a central trading hub for the America’s and Europe. The blend of Spanish and indigenous cultures and traditions gave Cuba a unique national identity that carries on to this day. During the nineteenth century, numerous promenades, forts, and public buildings were constructed, many of which remain sites of great historical importance.
Cuba became the fifth country to establish a railroad, completed in 1837, which ran between Havana and the sugar cane fields in Bejucas. The city walls were torn down to accommodate expansion and development. Spain's final days of colonial involvement in the Americas ended in Havana in the late nineteenth century. This is truly an authentic piece of cartographical history.
Our museum quality giclee print comes printed with archival ink on premium heavyweight matte paper. Shipped in a sturdy cardboard tube your print will arrive ready to be framed. This eye-catching vintage map reproduction print makes the perfect gift for anyone that loves history and imagery.
