“the Entrance To The Great Temple Of Palmyra From The North Side”

Optical view. “The Entrance to the Great Temple of Palmyra from the North side” In Paris at Daumont on rue Saint Martin. Original copper engraving on laid paper with period watercolor highlights. Around 1760. Height: 23 cm. Width: 43 cm. In the 18th century several renowned establishments in Paris, London, Augsburg and Bassano were specialized in the creation of these optical views. They could be viewed alone or through a zograscope, a wooden base topped with a lens which enlarged the image and accentuated the effect of perspective. They could also be placed in optical boxes, the spectator then looked inside the box through the lens. This distraction was greatly appreciated in the 18th century in the salons of the bourgeoisie and nobility as well as in the countryside thanks to peddlers. These etchings are today exhibited in museums around the world and extremely appreciated by collectors and decorators alike for their historical interest and their high decorative value.