Finding Aid for the Augustus and Alice Dixon Le Plongeon Photographs of Chichén
Itza, Uxmal and Yucatán, 1873-1910
Beth Ann Guynn
Descriptive Summary
Title: Augustus and Alice Dixon Le Plongeon Photographs of Chichén Itza, Uxmal and
Yucatán
Date (inclusive): 1873-1910
Number: 2007.R.8
Creator/Collector:
Le Plongeon,
Augustus, 1826-1908
Physical Description:
46 photographs
Repository:
The Getty Research Institute
Special Collections
1200 Getty Center Drive, Suite 1100
Los Angeles 90049-1688
reference@getty.edu
URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10020/askref
(310) 440-7390
Abstract: Photographs by Augustus and Alice Dixon
Le Plongeon document Maya architecture and sculpture at the archaeological sites of Chichén
Itzá and Uxmal in the Yucatán peninsula. Images of Yucatán towns, flora, fauna, and peoples
are also included in the collection.
Request Materials: Request access to the physical materials
described in this inventory through the
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Language: Collection material is in English.
Biographical/Historical Note
Augustus Le Plongeon was a medical doctor, photographer, antiquarian, and amateur
archaeologist of French origins. In the early 1860s, after spending time in Chile and
northern California, Le Plongeon moved to Lima, Peru, where he practiced medicine and
photography, and became interested in Peruvian archaeology. On a trip to London he met and
married Alice Dixon, daughter of the architectural photographer Henry Dixon. The couple
returned to North America where they devoted their lives' work to excavating, documenting,
and interpreting the Maya ruins and culture of the Yucatán peninsula. They spent over a
decade exploring Yucatán and Central America, excavating at Chichén Itzá and Uxmal.
Administrative Information
Access
Open for use by qualified researchers.
Publication Rights
Preferred Citation
Augustus and Alice Dixon Le Plongeon Photographs of Chichén Itza, Uxmal and Yucatán, The
Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles, Accession no. 2007.R.8.
http://hdl.handle.net/10020/cifa2007r8
Acquisition Information
Acquired in 2007.
Processing History
Processed by Beth Ann Guynn in 2007. Finding aid encoded by Beth Ann Guynn and Linda
Kleiger in 2014.
Related Archival Materials
The Getty Research Library holds the following collections of Augustus and Alice Dixon Le
Plongeon and Le Plongeon-related materials: Views of Maya Ruins in the Yucatán, Special
Collections accn. no. 96.R.137; Augustus and Alice Dixon Le Plongeon papers, 1763-1937, bulk
1860-1910, Special Collections accn. no. 2004.M.18; and the Lawrence Gustave Desmond papers
relating to Augustus and Alice Dixon Le Plongeon, 1856-2007, Special Collections accn. no.
2013.M.12.
Scope and Content of Collection
This collection of photographs by Augustus and Alice Dixon Le Plongeon documents Maya
architecture and sculpture at the archaeological sites of Chichén Itzá and Uxmal in the
Yucatán peninsula. Images of the towns, flora, fauna, and peoples of Yucatán are also
included. One photograph shows Alice Le Plongeon in front of the Pyramid of Kinich Kak Moo
at Izamal. A late portrait of Alice Le Plongeon is also present.
Photographs taken during the Le Plongeons's visits to Chichén Itzá between 1873 and 1883
include general views of Chichén Itzá, and views and details of the Upper and Lower Temples
of the Jaguars, Las Monjas, La Iglesia, Akab-Dzib, and the Platform of Venus. Also included
are a photograph of Alice Le Plongeon and workers with the Chacmool statue shortly after it
was excavated, and another view of the statue after it had been taken to Mexico City and
installed in the National Museum.
Photographs taken during the Le Plongeons's stay at Uxmal in 1876 include general views as
well as views and details of the Adivino Pyramid and Chenes Temple, the Nunnery Quadrangle,
and the Governor's Palace. The couple's activities at the site are represented by a
photograph of the Le Plongeons in their living quarters in the Governor's Palace and by
photographs taken by Alice of Augustus photographing the east facade of the Governor's
Palace and making molds of its reliefs.
During their years in Yucatán both the Le Plongeons took and developed photographs.
Photographs known to have been made by Alice Le Plongeon or unidentified photographers are
labeled as such, otherwise the photogrpahs can be attributed to Augustus and/or the couple.
The photographs are on cardboard mounts and are either albumen or collodion prints, as
noted. Dates recorded are for the date the original negatives were made. The collodion
prints were made in the late 1880s and 1890s, whereas the albumen prints were made closer to
the dates that the images were taken. Unless otherwise noted, the mounts are annotated in
the hand of Maude Blackwell, a close friend of the Le Plongeons. Annotations such as
"Blackwell," "property of Maude Blackwell," or similar wording, and phrases such as
"Photograph by Dr. Le Plongeon," "Le P.," or "Plongeon" are found on most mounts. Titles of
the photographs are devised by the cataloger, except as noted.
Arrangement
Arranged in a single series:
Series I. Augustus and Alice Dixon Le Plongeon Photographs of
Chichén Itza, Uxmal and Yucatán, 1873-1910.
Indexing Terms
Subjects - Topics
Mayas -- Mexico -- Yucatán (State) -- Antiquities
Maya sculpture
Maya mural painting and decoration
Maya architecture
Indian art -- Mexico
Chac Mool
Subjects - Places
Mexico -- Description and travel
Izmal Site (Mexico) -- Antiquities
Yucatán Peninsula -- Description and travel
Uxmal Site (Mexico) -- Antiquities
Chichén Itzá Site (Mexico) -- Antiquities
Genres and Forms of Material
Albumen prints -- Mexico -- 19th century
Collodion prints-Mexico–19th century
Photographs, Original
Contributors
Le Plongeon, Alice D. (Alice
Dixon), 1851-1910
Le Plongeon,
Augustus, 1826-1908
Augustus and Alice Dixon Le Plongeon photographs of Chichén Itza, Uxmal, and
Yucatán
Arrangement
No discernable original order. Arranged by archivist alphabetically by site.
box 1, folder 1
2007.R.8-1
General View of Chichén Itzá as Seen from Las Monjas,
1876
Scope and Content Note
Collodion print. "6. Chichén forest. Compass points"--written in pencil on recto of
mount. "Chichén forest"--written in pencil on verso of mount. "3. Chichén
forest"--written on verso of mount.
box 1, folder 1
2007.R.8-2
General View of Chichén Itzá as Seen from Las Monjas,
1876
Scope and Content Note
Collodion print. Same image as above, but without clouds. "Chichén forest ruins of
Chichén Itzá"--written on verso of mount. "Chichén Itzá"--written on verso of
mount.
box 1, folder 1
2007.R.8-3
Serpent Head, West Entrance, Upper Temple of the Jaguars, Chichén
Itzá,
approximately 1875
Scope and Content Note
Collodion print.
box 1, folder 1
2007.R.8-4
Atlante with Jaguar Breastplate from the Upper Temple of the Jaguars,
Chichén Itzá,
1875
Scope and Content Note
Collodion print.
box 1, folder 1
2007.R.8-5
Bas Relief, Lower Temple of the Jaguars, Chichén Itzá,
1876
Scope and Content Note
Retouched albumen print. "(4) Sculptured wall in the chamber at the foot of Prince
Coh's Memorial Hall. Note headdress of warrior - Chichén, Hermanos nol[__]"--written
on mount. For additional prints of this image see accession numbers 2004.M.18-b10.55
and 2004.M.18b10-56.
box 1, folder 1
2007.R.8-6
Detail of Mural, Upper Temple of the Jaguars, Chichén Itzá,
1873
Scope and Content Note
Collodion print. "Fresco in Coh's Memorial Hall. High priest Cay consulting fate.
Chichén. Blackwell's"--written in ink on recto of mount. "Fresco painting"--written
in pencil on verso of mount. For the negative of this image see accession number
2004.R.18-b18.31.
box 1, folder 1
2007.R.8-7
Detail of Mural, Upper Temple of the Jaguars, Chichén Itzá,
1873
Scope and Content Note
Collodion print. "Fresco painting Memorial Hall. Citam the friend of Queen Moo
consulting an auspice"--written in pencil on recto of mount. "(15)"--written in ink
on verso of mount.
box 1, folder 1
2007.R.8-8
Detail of Mural, Upper Temple of the Jaguars, Chichén Itzá,
1873
Scope and Content Note
Collodion print. "Fresco painting in funeral chamber - Chichén - Coh's Memorial
Hall. Queen Moo's suitor consulting fate"--written in pencil on recto of mount.
box 1, folder 1
2007.R.8-9
Detail of Mural, Upper Temple of the Jaguars, Chichén Itzá,
1873
Scope and Content Note
Collodion print. "Fresco in Coh's Memorial Hall - Chichén. Prince Aac proffering
his love to the (widow) Queen Moo"--written in pencil on recto of mount.
box 1, folder 1
2007.R.8-10
Excavation of the Platform of Venus, Chichén Itzá,
1882 or 1883
Scope and Content Note
Albumen photograph with pen and ink washes. "Drawing by Dr. A. J. Le
Plongeon"--written on recto of mount.
box 1, folder 1
2007.R.8-11
Facing Stone, Platform of Venus, Chichén Itzá,
1883
Scope and Content Note
Collodion print. "'Wisdom' head in serpent's jaws"--written on recto of mount in
hand of Maude Blackwell. "Chichén Itzá"--written on verso of mount.
box 1, folder 1
2007.R.8-12
Back of an Atlante, Upper Temple of the Jaguars, Chichén Itzá,
1875
Scope and Content Note
Collodion print. "Chichén. Caryatid"--written on recto of mount in hand of either
Alice or Augustus Le Plongeon. "Chichén Itzá"--written on verso of mount in hand of
Maude Blackwell.
box 1, folder 1
2007.R.8-13
Facade, Second Level of Las Manjas, Chichén Itzá,
1876
Scope and Content Note
Collodion print. "Second floor. Chichén"--written on recto of mount. "Second story
of palace, Chichén Itzá. N.E. corner of 2nd story. Mme Le P. hablando con los
Indios"--written on verso of mount. Note: Alice Le Plongeon is not in the
photograph. For an albumen print of this image see accession number
2004.M.18-b10.53; for a lantern slide see accession number 2004.M.18-b29.20.
box 1, folder 1
2007.R.8-14
Roof Comb, West Facade, La Iglesia, Chichén Itzá,
1876
Scope and Content Note
Collodion print. For an albumen cabinet stereograph of this image see accession
number 2004.M.18-b12.17; for a lantern slide see 2004.M.18-b29.14.
box 1, folder 1
2007.R.8-15
Cast of Hieroglyphic Slab from Akab Dzib, Chichén Itzá,
1875?
Scope and Content Note
Collodion print. "Inscription Akab-zib. Chichén"--written on recto of mount.
"Inscription at Akabzib Chichén"--written on verso of mount in hand of Augustus Le
Plongeon. This mold of the bas-relief was made by Augustus Le Plongeon. The image
appears as Plate LIII (p. 146) in
Queen Moo. For
another print of this image see accession number 2004.M.18-b11.7; for the negative
see accession number 2004.M.18-b15.7a.
box 1, folder 1
2007.R.8-16
Augustus Le Plongeon, Alice Le Plongeon and Workers with Chacmool after
Excavation,
1875
Scope and Content Note
Half-stereo [?] Albumen print. "8086"--stamped on verso. "9"--written on verso.
box 1, folder 1
2007.R.8-17
Chacmool in the National Museum, Mexico City,
1880
Scope and Content Note
Collodion print. "Statue of Prince Coh - unearthed by Le Plongeon"--written on
recto of mount in hand of Alice Le Plongeon.
box 1, folder 1
2007.R.8-18
"Standard Bearer" Sculpture from the Platform of Venus, Chichén
Itzá,
1882 or 1883
Scope and Content Note
Collodion print. "Chichén, statue from Cay tomb hidden by Dr. Le Plongeon"--written
on recto of mount.
box 1, folder 1
2007.R.8-19
Relief, Platform of Venus, Chichén Itzá,
1882 or 1883
Scope and Content Note
Hand-colored albumen print.
box 1, folder 1
2007.R.8-20
Projectile Points from the Platform of Venus, Chichén Itzá,
1882 or 1883
Scope and Content Note
Collodion print.
box 1, folder 2
2007.R.8-21
The Le Plongeons in their Living Quarters in the Governor's Palace,
Uxmal,
1876
Scope and Content Note
Collodion print. "No. 8 Domicile of Dr. and Mme. Le Plongeon in Governor's
House"--written on verso in hand of Alice Le Plongeon. For a cabinet card of this
image see accession number 2004.M.18-b10.59.
box 1, folder 2
2007.R.8-22
View of the Cemetery Group, Uxmal,
1876
Scope and Content Note
Collodion print. "Temple of Death, Uxmal"--written on verso of mount.
box 1, folder 2
2007.R.8-23
Adivino Pyramid, Uxmal,
1876
Scope and Content Note
Collodion print. The right half of a panorama taken from the Governor's Palace. It
includes the end of the Nunnery Quadrangle, which continues into the left half of
the panorama.
box 1, folder 2
2007.R.8-24
West Facade of the Adivino Pyramid, Uxmal,
1876
Scope and Content Note
Collodion print. "Adivino dwarf's house. The Sanctuary at Uxmal, the west-side
(details of the carvings will appear later)"--written on recto of mount.
"'Illustration' for 'Origin of Egyptians,'
The
Word
"--written on verso. The photograph was taken from the roof of the
Nummery Quadrangle, and shows the Puuc style temple above the Chenes style
temple.
box 1, folder 2
2007.R.8-25
Crouching Figures above "Chac Nose," Chenes Temple, Adivino Pyramid, Uxmal,
Scope and Content Note
Mounted half-stereo albumen print. "Fall of Can dynasty"--written on recto of
mount. "Yucatan - Uxmal - ruins. Sculptures over the doorway of the sanctuary - west
side. Inscription relating to the downfall of the Can's Dynasty"--written on verso
of mount in hand of Alice Le Plongeon. For another print of this image see accession
number 2004.M.18-b12.73; for a lantern slide see accession number
2004.M.18-b30.12.
box 1, folder 2
2007.R.8-26
Northeast Corner of the South Facade, North Building, Nunnery Quadrangle,
Uxmal,
1876
Scope and Content Note
Collodion print. "East end of north side of palace. Southeast corner dedicated to
(over) Uxmal"--written on recto of mount. "Turret - dedicated to Princess Moó, S.E.
corner of south facade of north wing of King Can Palace, Uxmal"--written on verso of
mount. For additional prints of this image see accession numbers 96.R.137-458;
2004.M.18-b12.94, and 2004.M.18-b12.95r. For the negative see accession number
2004.M.18-b16.5.
box 1, folder 2
2007.R.8-27
Northwest Corner of the East Building, Nunnery Quadrangle,
Uxmal,
1876
Scope and Content Note
Collodion print. "Northwest corner of east wing King Can's palace. An example of
glyph inscriptions at Uxmal"--written on recto of mount. Wet stamp for
The Word on verso. For additional prints of this image see
accession numbers 2004.M.18-b12.103 and 2004.M.18-b12.104.
box 1, folder 2
2007.R.8-28
Alice Le Plongeon, Augustus Le Plongeon on Scaffolding, East Facade,
Governor's Palace, Uxmal,
1876
Scope and Content Note
Collodion print. Augustus le Plongeon is making plaster molds of the central motif
on the facade.
box 1, folder 2
2007.R.8-29
Alice Le Plongeon, Augustus Le Plongeon Photographing the East Facade of
the Governor's Palace, Uxmal,
1876
Scope and Content Note
Collodion print. "East side of Governor's House - Uxmal - Dr. Le Plongeon taking
photo"--written on recto of mount. "E. lado cas de G"--written on verso of mount.
For the glass plate negative for this image see accession number
204.M.18-b15.18.
box 1, folder 2
2007.R.8-30
Base of Wall, West Side of the Governor's Palace, Uxmal,
1876
Scope and Content Note
Collodion print. "Uxmal"--written on recto of mount. "Base of wall on west side of
G.H."--written on verso of mount.
box 1, folder 2
2007.R.8-31
Detail, West Facade, Governor's Palace, Uxmal,
1876
Scope and Content Note
Albumen print. "No. 2 Cornice and entablature said to be now destroyed on west side
of Governor's House"--written on recto of mount.
box 1, folder 2
2007.R.8-32
Vaulted Room, Governor's Palace, Uxmal,
1876
Scope and Content Note
Collodion print. "N side palace, Uxmal - room under terrace. Uxmal"--written on
recto of mount.
Yucatán views, portraits, and other subjects,
1873-1910
box 1, folder 3
2007.R.8-33
Group of People in Front of a Ceiba Tree,
1881
Scope and Content Note
Retouched albumen print. Two men shaking hands and four children stand in the
foreground. This was probably taken at Hacienda X-Canchacan. For additional prints
of this image see accession numbers 2004.M.18-b10-23 and 2004.M.18-b12-114.
box 1, folder 3
2007.R.8-34r
The Church of Saint Christopher, Mérida,
187-?
Scope and Content Note
Albumen print. For another print of this image see accession number
2004.M.18-b11.22r; for a lantern slide see 2004.M.18-b26.10.
box 1, folder 3
2007.R.8-34v
View of Mérida from the Cathedral Bell Tower,
after 1879
Scope and Content Note
Albumen print.
box 1, folder 3
2007.R.8-35
Cattle Yard, Hacienda X-Canchacan,
January 1881
Scope and Content Note
Collodion print. For the glass plate negative for this image see accession number
2004.M.18-b18.13.
box 1, folder 3
2007-R.8-36
Entrance to a Yucatán Town,
between 1873 and 1883
Scope and Content Note
Collodion print. Title from annotation on verso in hand of Alice Le Plongeon.
"Entrance to a town in Yucatán"--written on recto of mount in hand of Maude
Blackwell.
box 1, folder 3
2007.R.8-37
View of a Cenote,
between 1873 and 1884
Scope and Content Note
Collodion print.
box 1, folder 3
2007.R.8-38
Vendor of Cakes and Preserves,
between 1873 and 1884
Scope and Content Note
Retouched albumen print. Title from inscription on recto of mount in hand of Alice
Le Plongeon: Vender [sic] of Cakes and Preserves. "1880"--on recto of mount in hand
of Maude Blackwell. "Yucatán"--on verso of mount in hand of Maude Blackwell.
box 1, folder 3
2007.R.8-39
Tree Trunk with Vines and Birds,
188-?
Scope and Content Note
Collodion print. "Tree killing vine"--written on recto of mount. For another view
of this image see accession number 2004.M18-b13.24; for a lantern slide see
2004.M.18-b28.6.
box 1, folder 3
2007.R.8-40
Leopard,
188-?
Scope and Content Note
Retouched collodion print. In this composite photograph an image of a lion,
probably taken in a zoo, has been placed in a jungle setting. The image was used as
Plate LXXII in
Queen Moo. "Leopard of Central
America. 'Coh' (totem) 'chaac Mol'"-- written on recto of mount. For another print
of this image see accession number 2004.M.18-b11.25; for a lantern slide
illustration of this image see 2004.M.18-b31.13.
box 1, folder 3
2007.R.8-41
Photographer unknown, Late Portrait of Alice Dixon Le Plongeon,
approximately 1910
Scope and Content Note
Gelatin silver p.o.p (printing-out paper). This studio portrait was likely taken
shortly before Alice passed away. For another print of this image see accession
number 2004.M.18-b10.7; see 2004.M.18-b14.3 for the printing block made from this
image.
box 1, folder 3
2007.R.8-42
Alice Le Plongeon in Front of the Pyramid of Kinich Kak Moo,
Izamal,
between 1873 and 1874
Scope and Content Note
Collodion print. "A near view of the ruins of the famous temple of Kab-Ul the
miraculous hand. Izamal, Yucatán"--written on verso in hand of Alice Le Plongeon.
"The ancient mound at Izamal"--written on verso in hand of Alice Le Plongeon.
box 1, folder 3
2007.R.8-43
Photographer unknown, Stela b. Copan,
188?
Scope and Content Note
Retouched collodion print. "Le Plongeon photo (Blackwell's) Yucatán"--written on
recto of mount in hand of Maude Blackwell.
box 1, folder 3
2007.R.8-44
Cast of pre-Inca Wall Decorations,
after 1885
Scope and Content Note
Albumen print. "Peru. Le Plongeon illustration in his books"--written on recto of
mount in hand of Maude Blackwell. For another print of this image see accession
number 2004.M.18-b10.76.
box 1, folder 3
2007.R.8-45
Portrait of Bishop Landa [?],
187-?
Scope and Content Note
Albumen print with crayon. Photograph of an illustration, heavily reworked.
