Paris, Louis XVI Period - Optical View Of The Place De Petersbourg, Circa 1780 - Copper Engraving

Visible in Paris. Free hand delivery in the capital and its suburbs. Postage for France: 15€. Delivery for Europe and the rest of the world, please contact me.

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

Original copper engraving on laid paper with watercolour highlights. Published by Daumont rue Saint Martin in Paris around 1780, depicting a view of Petersburg square in Russia.
In the 18th century, several renowned establishments in Paris, London, Augsburg and Bassano specialised in the creation of 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 gilt wood frame.