PORTFOLIO in purpose-built circular rotundas and were a popular form of immersive entertainment at the time. This project proved unexpectedly benefi cial, since at a showing in Burford’s Leicester Square rotunda in 1836, he met John Lloyd Stephens, an American lawyer who had traveled extensively in the East and had published books about his experiences there. They quickly formed a bond based on their common experiences and further found a shared interest in New World antiquities, accounts of which were then fi ltering into Europe. Later that year, Catherwood moved to New York, where he again worked as an architect. One of his projects was a 10,000-square-foot rotunda in SoHo, where Burford’s Jerusalem as well as other panoramas that the two would collaborate on were displayed. He later toured these to Boston and other cities. In 1838, based in part on Galindo’s accounts, Stephens and Catherwood decided to set out on an expedition to Central America. Stephens had diplomatic credentials that would allow them a certain degree of autonomy of movement. They arrived by ship at Belize City on October 30, 1839, and from there they made their way to the remote site of the ruins of Copán, Galindo’s account of which they had read. Arriving on November 17 after an eventful journey, they were stunned by what they found there, the more so since, as Stephens wrote, “both Mr. C. and I were somewhat skeptical, and when we arrived at Copán, it was with the hope, rather than the expectation, of fi nding wonders.” With the help of a local guide, they explored the site, cleared away some of the trees and underbrush, and Catherwood made detailed drawings and paintings of art and architecture, which they equated with the fi nest produced in Egypt. They ran into diffi culties with the local landowner but arranged to purchase the lease on the property for $50. Catherwood stayed for several weeks documenting the
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