Perspective view of Den Haag, by Georg Balthasar Probst. ca. 1780
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.
Gesicht by de Doelen over de Korte Vijverberg; tot Gravenhaghe.
Item Number: 31603 Authenticity Guarantee
Category: Antique maps > Europe > The Netherlands - Cities
Perspective view of Den Haag, by Georg Balthasar Probst.
Title (in four languages): Gesicht by de Doelen over de Korte Vijverberg; tot Gravenhaghe.
Georg Balthasar Probst excud. A.V.
Date: ca. 1780.
Copper engraving, printed on paper.
Image size including bottom title: 300 x 400mm (11¾ x 15¾ inches).
Sheet size: 335 x 475mm (13¼ x 18¾ inches).
Verso: Blank.
Condition: Original coloured, tear in upper margin reinforced, some soiling.
Condition Rating: B.
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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