Paris, Louis XVI Period - Optical View Of The Interior Of The Church Of Sainte Geneviève, Circa 1780 - Copper Engraving

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Period colourised optical view
laid paper
Dimensions : W. 44 ; H. 30 (cm.)
Paris, circa 1780

Original copper engraving on laid paper with watercolour highlights of the period. Paris circa 1780, depicting a view of the interior of the church of Sainte Geneviève in Paris.
In the 18th century, several renowned establishments in Paris, London, Augsburg and Bassano specialised in creating these optical views. They could be viewed on their own or through a zograscope, a wooden stand topped with a lens that enlarged the image and accentuated the effect of perspective. They could also be placed in optical boxes, with the viewer looking inside the box through the lens. This distraction was very popular in the 18th century in the salons of the bourgeoisie and nobility, as well as in the countryside thanks to peddlers.

Condition report: minor foxing and spotting, handsome moulded and carved wooden frame.