W. Lincoln Wilson Photograph Album of Mexico
Collection
Identifier: PICT-2003-007
Scope and Content
This album, with a stamped cover entitled "W. Lincoln Wilson, Mexico City, D. F." contains over 200 black-and-white photos taken between 1900 and 1920. Tropical agriculture (rubber, coffee, fruit, sugar cane), food production, and farming technology are the dominant subjects. Other subjects include rural daily life of indigenous peoples, students/school scenes, and both urban and rural architecture. There are also coastal views from Campeche and Veracruz, and images of monuments, markets, and Chapultepec Park in Mexico City. Most stamped photos were taken from the negatives of Sumner W. Matteson and printed by Hugo Brehme in May of 1927. Prints are 9 x 17 in.
Dates
- circa 1900-1927
Language of Materials
English
Access Restrictions
The collection is open for research.
Copy Restrictions
Duplication of print materials allowed for research purposes in most cases. User is responsible for all copyright compliance. For more information see the Photographs and Images Research Guide and contact the Pictorial Archivist.
Biography
A major early twentieth century Mexican photographer, Hugo Brehme (1882-1954) studied in his native Germany. He first arrived in Mexico in 1905, and as early as 1912, he had established a studio in Mexico City. During the following years, Brehme's photographs of Mexico became known worldwide. Hugo Brehme is today acknowledged as an early Mexican master of landscape, architectural and portrait photography. Through his studios in Mexico City he influenced an entire generation of Mexican photographers, most notably Manuel Alvarez Bravo.
Summer W. Matteson, Jr. was born in 1867 in Decorah, Iowa, and studied at the University of Minnesota from 1884-1888. From 1898 to 1908 Matteson crisscrossed North America taking photographs. Primarily a photojournalist, Matteson charmed his way into other people's work places and social celebrations. In 1920, Matteson returned to Mexico, planning a long stay and ready to renew his life as a full-time photographer. A month later he developed pulmonary edema from climbing Mt. Popocatepetl and died in Mexico City. Despite his unexpected death, the legacy of his photography has remained. Part romantic past and part realistic present, his photographs—primarily of landscapes and people—are the travel records of an adventurer who saw the frontier become a settled society.
Biographical information on Hugo Brehme and Sumner W. Matteson taken from the following websites: Art of the Print and Milwaukee Public Museum
Summer W. Matteson, Jr. was born in 1867 in Decorah, Iowa, and studied at the University of Minnesota from 1884-1888. From 1898 to 1908 Matteson crisscrossed North America taking photographs. Primarily a photojournalist, Matteson charmed his way into other people's work places and social celebrations. In 1920, Matteson returned to Mexico, planning a long stay and ready to renew his life as a full-time photographer. A month later he developed pulmonary edema from climbing Mt. Popocatepetl and died in Mexico City. Despite his unexpected death, the legacy of his photography has remained. Part romantic past and part realistic present, his photographs—primarily of landscapes and people—are the travel records of an adventurer who saw the frontier become a settled society.
Biographical information on Hugo Brehme and Sumner W. Matteson taken from the following websites: Art of the Print and Milwaukee Public Museum
Extent
236 items (1 box) : Album containing 236 photographic prints ; prints: 9 x 17 in.
Abstract
This collection contains 1 album of 236 black and white photographs of agriculture, markets, rural life, and coastal scenes taken in early 20th century Mexico. Many photos bear the imprint of Sumner W. Matteson, Hugo Brehme, and Rochester Photo Co.
Arrangement
Prints are organized as originally arranged in album.
Physical Location
B2. Shelved by Pictorial Number.
General
Contact Information
- University of New Mexico
- MSC05 3020, 1, University of New Mexico
- Center for Southwest Research
- Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
- Phone: 505-277-0487
- Fax:
- Email: cswrref@unm.edu
- URL: http://elibrary.unm.edu/cswr
- Title
- Finding Aid of the W. Lincoln Wilson Photograph Album of Mexico, circa 1900-1927
- Status
- Approved
- Author
- Processed by Lauren Koller
- Date
- ©2006
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid is in English
Revision Statements
- Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.
Repository Details
Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository
Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451
cswrref@unm.edu
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451
cswrref@unm.edu