Gaucho at the Universal Exposition. Paris. 1878.

Vintage photograph, an albumen print in "cabinet card" (portrait) format, mounted on cardboard; no photographer’s mark. Dimensions: Photograph, 10.5 x 6.3 cm. The image is in good condition. Formerly in the collection of César Gotta.

The scene likely takes place at the *Jardin d’Acclimatation* (Acclimatization Garden) during the 1878 Universal Exposition in Paris. From May 1st to November 10th of that year, a small group of *paisanos* (countrymen) drew the attention of visitors.

“In this image, we see a *gaucho* holding a long, braided *lazo* (lasso)—with the noose ready for use—and, in his other hand, two *tortas* (loops/coils) prepared for the throw. He wears a kerchief draped around his neck and a shirt. He is dressed in an attractive striped *chiripá*—specifically of the *de pala* (wide-panel) style. Beneath it—though not clearly visible due to the age of the photograph—he likely wears white, unadorned *calzones* (trousers), held in place by a *culero* (a leather loin-guard); over this, he carries a set of *boleadoras potreras* (hunting/capture bolas). He wears open-toed *botas de potro* (boots made from raw colt hide), without spurs.” (1)

Note:

1. We are grateful for the information provided by Juan Miguel Arbuco, a scholar of rural customs and traditions.

Abel Alexander

President, Ibero-American Society for the History of Photography