You can capture the spirit of Mexico’s bicentennial celebration with a viewing of rare antique prints on display at Ajijic’s centrally located Mi Mexico boutique. Opening Saturday, August 21, 2 p.m., the “Discover Mexico at Mi Mexico” exhibit centers on the private collection of Alejandro Wagner, a fourth generation Mexican citizen of German descent.
At the heart of the show is a complete set of reproductions of the prized Atlas Pintoresco e Historico de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos, a study of Mexico compiled by eminent geographer and cartographer Antonio Garcia Cubas. Originally published in 1885, the atlas provides a complete portrait of Mexico at the midpoint between Mexico’s birth as an independent nation and the outbreak of the Revolution. The work is made up of 13 double-page chromolithographed thematic maps, each bordered by related pictorial vignettes, including illustrations of natural landscapes, architecture, archaeological antiquities, ethnic costumes, prominent historical figures and transportation routes of the era.
Wagner developed a passion for old prints depicting life in Mexico after obtaining an original copy of the atlas and a bundle of 19th-century Julio Michaud photographs handed down by his ancestors. Reflecting on the significance of this year’s bicentennial celebration, he explains that exhibition was inspired by a sense of responsibility to share his treasures with a public now keen to learn more about the country’s past.
Wagner has put together a limited edition of digitalized reproductions from the collection. They will be put on sale along with a selection of original antique lithographs dating back to the same era that he has picked on the European market.
Born in Mexico City in 1968, Wagner grew up in Ajijic at the side of his mother, Mi Mexico proprietress Helgard Wagner.
His great grandfather, August Wagner, set out from Hamburg in the mid 1880s, landing at Veracruz with the intent of getting in on the California gold rush. Instead, he settled in Mexico City, founding the renowned Casa Wagner musical instrument sales emporium. He was eventually naturalized as a Mexican citizen by President Benito Juarez.
The Discover Mexico exhibit will be showcased at Mi Mexico through the 100-year Revolution commemoration in November. The store is located at Morelos 8, one block above the village pier. Business hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 to 3 on Sundays.
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