One of 12 lithographs published by Ackermann London, in 1840/41 as part of a portfolio, “12 Views in the Interior of Guiana.” The original sketches were made by John Morrison who accompanied Sir Robert Hermann Schomburgk on the exploration into what would become British Guiana. The sketches were developed by Charles Bentley into the drawings that were the basis for the lithographs. Printed in black with hand coloring.
Esmeralda is the site of a Spanish mission that is now part of the Venezuelan state of Amazonas. The inscriptions from left to right, “Drawn from the original Sketch by Charles Bentley,” “Printed by P. Gauchi” “Esmeralda, on the Orinoco/Site of a Spanish Mission” “On Stone by P. Gauci.” Paper 13 ¾ inches (25 cm) tall by 20 ¾ inches (52 cm) wide. Image without title etc. 11 inches (28 cm) tall by 15 7/8 inches (40cm) wide.
Condition: very dirty all over the surface. Corners bent or chipped, lower edge abraded. Small tears to the margins, some foxing.
Despite condition this is a beautiful lithograph.