Optical view of Frankfurt am Main, published in Paris by Daumont. c. 1740
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.
Prospectus fori Equini Francofurti ad Moenum - Le Marche aux Chevaux a Francfort sur le Mein.
Item Number: 32313 new Authenticity Guarantee
Category: Antique maps > Europe > Germany - Cities
Optical view of Frankfurt am Main, published in Paris by Daumont.
Title: Prospectus fori Equini Francofurti ad Moenum - Le Marche aux Chevaux a Francfort sur le Mein.
A Paris chez Daumont rue St. Martin.
48e Vue d'Optique Représentant
Date: c. 1740.
Copper engraving, printed on paper.
Image size: 280 x 445mm (11 x 17½ inches).
Sheet size: 330 x 480mm (13 x 19 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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