Perspective view of New York. c. 1770
Optical View (French: Vue d'optique)
An optical view is a type of 18th-century hand-coloured engraved print to be viewed through a special optical device. It depicts architectural, city, or landscape scenes and is designed to give a strong illusion of depth and perspective when seen through a magnifying lens or viewing box. Characteristic of an optical view is the reversed inscription: The titles or captions were often printed backwards, because the viewing device used a mirror that would flip the image right-side up again. The artists enhanced depth with bold converging lines and bright colours. The optical views were used for popular entertainment and education, a way for people to "travel" visually. They originated in France and England around the 1740s and became fashionable across Europe. They were often sold by travelling print sellers or displayed in fairs and parlours.
La Destruction de la Statue royale a Nouvelle York.
Item Number: 29060 Authenticity Guarantee
Category: Antique maps > America > North America
Old, antique perspective view of New York.
Title: La Destruction de la Statue royale a Nouvelle York.
Die Zerstörung der Königlichen Bild Säule zu Neu York.
Se vend à Augsburg au Negoce comun de L'Academie Imperiale d'Empire des Arts libereaux avec Privilege de Sa Majesté Imperiale et avec Défense ni d'en faire ni de vendre les Copies.
Gravé par François Xav Habermann.
Engraver: François Xavier Habermann.
Date: c. 1770.
Copper engraving, printed on paper.
Map size: 290 x 400mm (11.42 x 15.75 inches).
Sheet size: 335 x 460mm (13.19 x 18.11 inches).
Verso: Blank.
Condition: Original coloured, excellent.
Condition Rating: A+.
Separate publication.
Optical View (French: Vue d'optique)
An optical view is a type of 18th-century hand-coloured engraved print to be viewed through a special optical device. It depicts architectural, city, or landscape scenes and is designed to give a strong illusion of depth and perspective when seen through a magnifying lens or viewing box. Characteristic of an optical view is the reversed inscription: The titles or captions were often printed backwards, because the viewing device used a mirror that would flip the image right-side up again. The artists enhanced depth with bold converging lines and bright colours. The optical views were used for popular entertainment and education, a way for people to "travel" visually. They originated in France and England around the 1740s and became fashionable across Europe. They were often sold by travelling print sellers or displayed in fairs and parlours.