Perspective view of Vienna (Wien), by J.M. Sicorist after J.E. Fischer von Erlach ca. 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.
Vue de Hof, de la Colonne de la Conception Immacul
Item Number: 31604 Authenticity Guarantee
Category: Antique maps > Europe > Austria
Perspective view of Vienna (Wien), by J.M. Sicorist after J.E. Fischer von Erlach.
Title: Vue de Hof, de la Colonne de la Conception Immacul" de Sainte Marie de l'Eglise des Ex Jesuiitte et de la Nonciture ou Palais du Nonce.
Se vend à Augsbourg au Negoce comun de l'Academie Emperiale d'Empire ...
Date: ca. 1770.
Copper engraving, printed on paper.
Image size including bottom title: 325 x 410mm (12¾ x 16¼ inches).
Sheet size: 370 x 475mm (14½ x 18¾ 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.
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