About This Object
The explorer and naturalist Alexander von Humboldt and the botanist Aimé Bonland, made a scientific excursion to South and Central America from 1799 to 1804 to collect numerous plant specimens and study flora, fauna, and geology. Humboldt’s multi-volume work captured and conveyed the essence of the pre-Columbian world and influenced greatly the European and North American vision of Latin America. In this image, von Humboldt includes figures of native peoples and examples of animals and vegetation to add local color to the dignity of the Chimborazo mountains.
* Currently on Exhibit
Alexander von Humboldt (1769–1859). Vues des Cordillres et Monuments des peuples indigènes de l’Amérique. [Views of the Cordilleras and monuments of indigenous peoples of America]. Paris: R. Schoell, 1810. Jay I. Kislak Collection, Rare Book and Special Collections Division, Library of Congress (162.00.02)