Tweemaal een gezicht op vermoedelijk het Plaza de Armas in Chihuahua before 1883

These two photographs of what is probably the Plaza de Armas in Chihuahua, Mexico, come from an undocumented date, by an artist named R.D. Cleveland. They offer us more than just a pretty picture; they are a window into a specific moment in the complex relationship between Mexico and the United States. The Plaza de Armas, as a central public space, was often a site of cultural exchange and, at times, tension. Chihuahua, with its proximity to the US border, experienced significant American influence, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Cleveland's photographs could serve as a reflection of this influence but, without more historical context, it’s hard to be sure. Is it a celebration of cross-cultural connection or a subtle commentary on American economic and cultural dominance? To truly understand these images, we would need to delve into archives and institutional records, and understand the photographer’s intentions.