the collector's folio

Martín Chambi Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by Martín Chambi our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Martín Chambi · 1891 – 1973

Combapata folkloric group

1929 · Mudec - Museum of Cultures, Milan · original 20 x 25 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 31 artworks by Martín Chambi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$47835 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Theatre company with its director, Luis Ochoa

1930 · Mudec - Museum of Cultures, Milan · original 20 x 25 cm

Martín Chambi’s 1930 photo captures a theatre company in Peru. Witness indigenous culture & dramatic lighting in this albumen print – a unique glimpse into Andean life.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 31 artworks by Martín Chambi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$60335 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Snack in Ocongate, in front of the Ausangate snow-capped peak

1931 · Mudec - Museum of Cultures, Milan · original 20 x 25 cm

martín chambi 1931 In this image, Chambi captures the moment of rest and refreshment of a large group of campesinos (all in ponchos and chullos) on a slope in the Ocongate area, from which there is a splendid view of Ausangate, the highest mountain in southern Peru, at an impressive 6384 m above sea level. Not far from Cuzco, on its summit the climate is such that there is perennial snow (which

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 31 artworks by Martín Chambi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$77835 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Chicha carrier

1940 · Mudec - Museum of Cultures, Milan · original 25 x 20 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 31 artworks by Martín Chambi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17828 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Campesino of Calca / An indigenous man chewing coca

1930 · Mudec - Museum of Cultures, Milan · original 25 x 20 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 31 artworks by Martín Chambi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17828 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

El gigante de Paruro [The Giant of Paruro]

1929 · MAM Rio, Rio de Janeiro · original 45 x 35 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 31 artworks by Martín Chambi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17828 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$19635 × 45 cm Commission at original size

Pilgrims at Qoyllurit

1931 · Mudec - Museum of Cultures, Milan · original 20 x 25 cm

Martín Chambi’s ‘Pilgrims at Qoyllurit’ (1931) captures a poignant Andean pilgrimage. Black & white photography showcases indigenous culture & faith amidst stunning landscapes. A rare glimpse into Peruvian history.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 31 artworks by Martín Chambi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$45335 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

The de Ezequiel Arce family with their potato harvest

1934 · Mudec - Museum of Cultures, Milan · original 20 x 25 cm

Martín Chambi’s ‘The de Ezequiel Arce Family’ captures Andean life in 1934. A poignant ethnographic portrait featuring indigenous textiles & potato harvest. Explore this unique wet plate collodion image.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 31 artworks by Martín Chambi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$37835 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Wall of the Five Windows of Winay Wayna

1941 · Mudec - Museum of Cultures, Milan · original 20 x 25 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 31 artworks by Martín Chambi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17835 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Q

View the most popular artwork of Martín Chambi ranked #10: Q

1944 · Mudec - Museum of Cultures, Milan · original 20 x 25 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 31 artworks by Martín Chambi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$127835 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

A group of campesinos from Tinta

1930 · Mudec - Museum of Cultures, Milan · original 20 x 25 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 31 artworks by Martín Chambi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17835 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Corpus Christi procession in the village of Andahuaylillas, 1932

1932 · Mudec - Museum of Cultures, Milan · original 20 x 25 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 31 artworks by Martín Chambi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$65335 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Ladies at the chicheria

1927 · Mudec - Museum of Cultures, Milan · original 20 x 25 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 31 artworks by Martín Chambi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$27835 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Folk musicians

1934 · Mudec - Museum of Cultures, Milan · original 20 x 25 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 31 artworks by Martín Chambi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17835 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Campesino Girls from Abancay, Apurimac

1935 · original 17 x 23 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 31 artworks by Martín Chambi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$25337 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Cesar Lomellini Family, Colcampata, Cuzco

1928 · original 23 x 32 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 31 artworks by Martín Chambi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$47838 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Birthday Party, Cuzco

1931 · original 17 x 23 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 31 artworks by Martín Chambi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$65336 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Mestiza with Chicha, Cuzco

1932 · original 29 x 26 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 31 artworks by Martín Chambi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17827 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Family Group, Cuzco

1931 · original 25 x 33 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 31 artworks by Martín Chambi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17836 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Luís Ochoa and Family, Cuzco

1933 · original 23 x 17 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 31 artworks by Martín Chambi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$27827 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Fiesta of the Guardia Civil, Sacsayhuaman, Cuzco

1930 · original 34 x 45 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 31 artworks by Martín Chambi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$102836 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$104445 × 34 cm Commission at original size

Fiesta Gathering, Hacienda Angostura, near Cuzco

1931 · original 36 x 49 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 31 artworks by Martín Chambi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$50337 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$52749 × 36 cm Commission at original size

Costume Party, Cuzco

1930 · original 35 x 48 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 31 artworks by Martín Chambi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$77837 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$79948 × 35 cm Commission at original size

Indian Varayoc and Family, Tinta Kanchis

1934 · original 23 x 18 cm

Martín Chambi’s ‘Indian Varayoc and Family’ (1934) captures Andean culture in stunning black & white. A poignant portrait of indigenous life, showcasing intricate textiles & a timeless aesthetic.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 31 artworks by Martín Chambi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$22827 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Señora Montes, Montes House, Cuzco

1924 · original 47 x 35 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 31 artworks by Martín Chambi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17827 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$19835 × 47 cm Commission at original size

The artist

Martín Chambi

1891 – 1973

Quick facts

Topics exploredindigenous culture, south america
Copyright statusUnder copyright
Movementsdocumentary photography
Museums on APSMAM Rio, Mudec - Museum of Cultures
Works on APS31
Born1891
Died1973
Also known asMartin Chambi

Biography

The Lens of the Andes: The Life and Legacy of Martín Chambi

In the high, thin air of the Peruvian Andes, where the shadows of the Cordillera Blanca stretch across ancient landscapes, the work of Martín Chambi remains a profound testament to the dignity of a people. Born in 1891 near the shores of Lake Titicaca, Chambi’s journey from the humble Coaza district to becoming a global icon of documentary photography is a narrative of vision and resilience. His early life was shaped by the rugged realities of the Southern Andes—a region marked by both colonial echoes and the vibrant, enduring pulse of Quechua traditions. It was not in a formal academy that his eye was trained, but through a serendipitous encounter with the mechanics of light and shadow during his youth near a British mining company, where he first witnessed the transformative power of the camera.

Chambi’s artistic evolution was deeply rooted in mentorship and technical mastery. Moving to Arequipa, he sought out the renowned photographer Max T. Vargas, whose studio served as a crucible for Chambi’s developing skills. Under Vargas’s guidance, he mastered the intricate nuances of albumen printing and the demanding processes of early twentieth-century photography. This period of apprenticeship provided him with more than just technical proficiency; it instilled in him an aesthetic foundation that allowed him to navigate both the formal requirements of studio portraiture and the spontaneous demands of outdoor landscape photography. By 1917, Chambi had established his own presence in Sicuani and later Cusco, transforming his studio into a vital hub for capturing the multifaceted identity of Peru.

A Vision of Dignity and Resistance

What distinguishes Chambi’s oeuvre from the mere ethnographic documentation of his era is his profound empathy and his refusal to view his subjects through a lens of "otherness." While many contemporary photographers approached indigenous populations as curiosities, Chambi photographed them as representatives of a living, breathing culture. His portraits are characterized by a striking psychological depth; whether capturing a Varayoc (an indigenous authority) or a simple peasant from Calca, he imbued his subjects with an unmistakable sense of pride and agency. He famously declared that he felt himself to be a representative of his race, stating that his people spoke through his photographs. This mission was a quiet but powerful act of resistance against the prevailing colonial narratives that sought to diminish Andean culture as primitive or stagnant.

His technical brilliance allowed him to weave together the monumental and the intimate. In his landscapes, such as the breathtaking views of the Ausangate peak, he utilized light to emphasize the spiritual grandeur of the mountains. Conversely, in his studio work, he employed dramatic lighting to highlight the intricate textures of traditional textiles and the weathered features of his subjects. His ability to utilize the emerging medium of postcards also allowed him to disseminate images of Cusco and its surrounding environs to a wider world, effectively pioneering a new way for Peru to see itself and for the international community to witness the majesty of the Andes.

Historical Significance and Eternal Resonance

The historical weight of Chambi’s work cannot be overstated. He captured a pivotal moment in Peruvian history, documenting the transition of Andean society during the early twentieth century. His archives provide an invaluable visual record of landscapes, architectural wonders like Machu Picchu—which was still relatively unknown to much of the world during his most active years—and the social structures of the time. Through his lens, we see the intersection of tradition and modernity, from the ritualistic beauty of the Qoyllurit pilgrimage to the industrial presence of mining operations.

Today, Martín Chambi is celebrated not merely as a photographer, but as a visual historian who reclaimed the narrative of the Andes. His legacy lives on in the way we perceive the intersection of identity and art. The enduring power of his black-and-white compositions lies in their ability to transcend time, offering a window into a world where every shadow tells a story of survival, and every portrait serves as an eternal monument to the human spirit.

Questions & Answers

What other names is Martín Chambi known by?

Martín Chambi appears under the alternate names Martin Chambi.

Where can I see the color profile of Martín Chambi's work?

Martín Chambi's use of color across the works listed on this website can be studied on the artist's Palette Genome page.

Which artworks by Martín Chambi are the most viewed?

A Stats page exists for Martín Chambi, presenting statistics about the artist's artworks on this website.

By the TopImpressionists.com Editorial Team Updated Sept. 5, 2026

Collector's quiz

Where was Martín Chambi born?
What type of photography did Chambi primarily practice?
Chambi’s first photographic mentor was:
In what year did Chambi establish his own studio?
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one You choose the size

Standard formats or any custom dimension, matched to the proportions of the original.

two We paint and send a preview

A photo of the finished canvas for your approval before it is shipped.

three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

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