Mexique Photographs, Album c. 1860

A cloth bound album, 12 1/4 x 18 1/4" x 1 1/4" containing (45) mounted albumen prints approx. 6" x 8 1/2" made from wax paper negatives of various architectural and landscape subjects in various cities in Mexico. Mount one per page each with title handwritten and framed with a decorative hand painted border. This appears to be the work of a talented and dedicated unknown amateur. Many initialed "E.S." and numbered in the negative. Tones range from dark and rich to faded. A few images have what appear to be French soldiers posed and the inscription in French on the first page "A Monsieur Alexandre Martin a Rouen, Souvenir d'amontie et d'estime, le capitaine (name indescribable)," leads me to believe there is a French military connection. Many of the images have a painterly sensibility and the richest prints are impressive for their quality. The album has sustained some water damage that does not effect the plates and there is some foxing mainly affecting the first pages. Binding is intact with some moderate ware as seen in images. An excellent and rare, unique early album. Cities and towns include: Vera Cruz, Orizaba, Puebla, Mexico (City?), Guadalupe, Chapultepec, Maravatio, Le Canada, Arroyo Zarco, San Juan del Rio, Queretaro, Dolores, Aguascalientes, San Luis, Salinas, Zacatecas, Fresnillo, Sombrerete, Durango, Rio Florida, El Parral and Guadalajara.