Old Map of Argentina & Chile by Tallis, 1851: Buenos Aires, Andes, Santiago, Vignettes
Step into the world of mid-19th century cartography with John Tallis’s exquisite “Chili and La Plata” map, crafted in 1851. Tallis, celebrated as one of the last great decorative mapmakers, infused his work with artistry and precision, making his maps highly sought after by collectors. This map captures the geographical and political landscape of northern Argentina and central Chile, offering a glimpse into the past with its intricate details and vibrant vignettes. The map’s ornate borders and illustrative elements elevate it beyond a mere navigational tool to a piece of art.
The regions depicted in this map stretch from Argentina’s Salta Province to Chile’s Araucania Province, encompassing a diverse array of landscapes and cultural landmarks. Notable features include the Andes Mountains, which form a natural barrier and define the geography of the area. The map also highlights the South Atlantic Ocean, emphasizing the importance of maritime routes and trade during this period. These elements reflect the interconnectedness of nature and human development in shaping regional identities.
Tallis’s map is adorned with captivating vignettes that offer a window into the life and times of the regions it portrays. From the bustling Grand Square in Buenos Aires to the depiction of a traveling post, these illustrations enrich the map with cultural and historical context. The presence of a regional “Gobernador” and a rattlesnake adds layers of intrigue, inviting viewers to ponder the stories behind these symbols. Such artistic embellishments were a hallmark of Tallis’s work, making his maps not only informative but also visually engaging.
The map meticulously details the political boundaries of the time, providing insight into the historical relationships between neighboring countries. It shows Uruguay as part of Brazil and offers minor details of Paraguay, reflecting the fluid nature of borders and territorial claims in the 19th century. Cities like Buenos Aires, Santiago, and Valparaíso are prominently featured, highlighting their significance as centers of commerce and culture. These urban areas, along with other towns and settlements, paint a picture of a vibrant and dynamic region.
John Tallis’s “Chili and La Plata” map stands as a testament to the cartographer’s skill and the era’s artistic sensibilities. It captures a moment in time when exploration and discovery were at the forefront of human endeavor. This map is more than just a geographical representation; it is a narrative of the people, places, and events that shaped the history of South America. For collectors and enthusiasts, it offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of history, beautifully preserved through Tallis’s masterful craftsmanship.
Cities and towns on this map
- Argentina
- Buenos Aires
- Córdoba
- Mendoza
- Tucumán
- Salta
- La Rioja
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San Juan
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Chile
- Santiago
- Valparaíso
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Concepción
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Paraguay
- Asunción
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Illustrations:
- Traveling post
- Grand Square in Buenos Aires
- Regional “Gobernador”
- Rattlesnake
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Ox-drawn water barrel
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Bodies of water:
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South Atlantic Ocean
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Mountains:
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Andes Mountains
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Borders:
- Detailed political boundaries of Argentina, Chile, and neighboring regions
Historical and design context
- Mapmaker/Publisher: John Tallis, known for decorative maps with detailed vignettes
- Date of creation: 1851
- Design/Style: Decorative style with ornate borders and detailed illustrations
- Historical significance: Reflects the geographical and political understanding of South America in the mid-19th century
Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.
This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.
This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.
The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.
The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.
If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.
Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.
This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father’s Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.
This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you’d like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.
