Description
Produced and published by the iconic American mapmaker Rand McNally, this distinct depiction of Colombia and Venezuela at the turn of the twentieth century shows the region in a period of significant transformation and growth both culturally and economically. The firm utilized a method that employed wax engraving that would revolutionize printing and mapmaking since their first cartographical publication in 1872. The company expanded significantly as automobiles gained popularity with their signature travel guides and road maps. Rand McNally also originated the system of numbered highways that became standard for national routes after cartographer John Brink’s invention in 1917.Though the Panama Canal would not be completed until 1914, its inclusion as an inset in this map distinguished this piece and demonstrates the significance of the waterway in Central American history. Both Venezuela and Colombia gained independence from colonial rule in the nineteenth century and bear cultures that blend European influence with indigenous traditions and heritage. Colombia is the first constitutional government in South America and a forebearer of the road to democratic rule throughout the continent. During World War I, the discovery of vast oil deposits in Venezuela impacted the economy dramatically and spurred a thriving mining and export industry that lasted until the 1980s. This map's signature style and distinctive aesthetic immediately transport the viewer back in time, creating an indelible bond between the past and present. This is an authentic piece of Central American cartographical history that captures the two nations in periods of notable transformation.Our museum quality giclee print comes printed with archival ink on premium heavyweight matte paper.This vintage map reproduction makes the perfect gift for anyone that loves history and imagery. Overall Size: 18" H x 24" W
