Vue d'optique

Vue d'optique (French), vue perspective or perspective view refers to a genre of etching popular during the second half of the 18th century and into the 19th. Vues d'optique were specifically developed to provide the illusion of depth when viewed through a zograscope, also known as an "optical diagonal machine" or viewers with similar functions.

Characteristics

  • Reversed type in some or all of the text, for viewing through a mirrored apparatus
  • Bright hand-coloring
  • Scenes chosen for their strong linear perspective (for example, diagonal lines converging at a horizon)
  • Subject matter appealing to armchair travelers: shipping, cities, palaces, gardens, architecture.[1]

History

Optical viewers were generally popular with well-to-do European families in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Perspective views were produced in London, Paris, Augsburg and several other cities.[2][3]

  • Vue d'optique of Havre de Grace Port of Paris printed in Germany ca. 1800.
    Vue d'optique of Havre de Grace Port of Paris printed in Germany ca. 1800.
  • Vue d'optique of the Bridge of La Concorde, Printed in Paris
    Vue d'optique of the Bridge of La Concorde, Printed in Paris
  • Vue d'optique of the Hotel Royal des Invallides, printed in Paris
    Vue d'optique of the Hotel Royal des Invallides, printed in Paris
  • Vue d'optique of Rome, printed in Paris
    Vue d'optique of Rome, printed in Paris
  • Vue d'optique of the Hotel de Ville in Amsterdam, printed in England
    Vue d'optique of the Hotel de Ville in Amsterdam, printed in England

References

  1. ^ Kaldenbach, Kees. "Perspective Views". Retrieved 27 Feb 2013. Originally published in Print Quarterly (June 1985)
  2. ^ Philographikon. ""Vue d'Optique" or "Perspective View"". Retrieved 27 Feb 2013.
  3. ^ Kaldenbach, Kees. "Perspective Views". Retrieved 27 Feb 2013. Originally published in Print Quarterly (June 1985)