Lot 630

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Description:

(FRANCO-MEXICAN WAR)
An extraordinary Franco-Mexican War (1862-67) relic, a friendship album compiled by noted Mexican nationalist writer and dramatist Panteleon Tovar and given to Josefina Bros de Riva Palacio, the wife of General Vicente Riva Palacio, who finally overthrew Maximilian and his Austro-French government in 1867. The book, 9 1/4" x 12" x 1", front cover extensively inlaid with mother of pearl and decorated wth gilt in a delicate floral design, has 40 pages of dramatic content and beautiful artwork. In this album, the personal is interwoven with the political, affection and respect for Josefina is linked with commitment to Mexican independence, revolutionary values, and the future of the Mexican people. The album is highlighted by some elaborate, full-page watercolors and pen sketches, and above all, by three important broadsides, two of which relate to the victory at Puebla on Cinco de Mayo, 1862. The album includes poetry (entirely in Spanish), but the sketches and laid-in broadsides are what distinguishes it as a stunning piece of Mexican history at a dramatic turning point. Among the sketches are depictions of the great leaders of the independence movement of the first decade of the 19th century (e.g. Miguel Hidalgo and Jose Maria Morelos), the leaders of the resistance against the French, and symbolic depictions of Mexican liberty. Tovar conceived the album shortly before the victory of republican forces under Zaragoza over the occupying French army at Puebla, the battle commemorated on the Cinco de Mayo. Includes:

Broadsides: "Alcance al siglo XIX / del Lunes 5 de Mayo 1862 / Puebla atacada por el ejercito Frances"; "Noticias muy importantes / Ataque sobre Puebla por los Franceses / Retirada de los zuavos"; "El triunfo / de Queretaro" (1867). Both the outer covers and the inner pages, including original artwork have been remarkably well-preserved. Very good to fine.

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January 21, 2010 10:00 AM EST
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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