Valparaiso

The picturesque view is taken from a balcony above the bay of Valparaiso, looking west over the harbour, sheltered by the hills beyond. Rugendas lived in Valparaiso from 1838 until 1842, a time of financial difficulties for the artist, and harbour views offered him a popular subject for paintings he could sell easily to local patrons and the numerous travellers passing through this busy port. The present picture can be added to at least a dozen other views of the port, mostly in this small format, suitable to be taken as souvenirs, along with numerous drawings, produced by Rugendas during his time in Valparaiso.

We are grateful to Dr Pablo Diener for his help in preparing this catalogue entry.