| Method | Copper engraving with hand colouring |
| Artist | Thomas Bowles after Peter Van Ryne |
| Published | Published according to Act of Parliament. Published 12th. May, 1794, by Laurie & Whittle, 53 Fleet Street, London. |
| Dimensions | Image 232 x 388 mm, Plate 262 x 400 mm, Sheet 342 x 472 mm |
| Notes |
French translation of title below image: Vüe Generale de la Ville d'Amsterdam du Côté du Tye A vue d'optique after of the Tye waterfront of Amsterdam. The skyline of the city is dominated by church steeples, and, beyond, a number of windmills mark the surrounding countryside. Large sailing ships and numerous smaller vessels appear in the foreground. Vue d'optiques are hand-colored etchings and engravings intended to be viewed through a convex lens. The devices, known variously as zograscopes, optiques, optical machines and peepshows, were an optical entertainment of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Like the one shown here, vues d'optiques were rendered in high-key color and dramatic linear perspective, which enhanced the illusion of three-dimensionality when viewed through the lens. According to the Getty Research Institute, which owns other such views by Probst, street performers would set up viewing boxes with a series of prints giving a pictorial tour of famous landmarks, dramatic events and foreign lands. Some vues d'optique also had parts of the scenes cut out and the openings backed with translucent papers so that when the print was backlit, it appeared as an illuminated night scene. Vue d'optiques were often separately issued for sale in various countries. The print offered here is titled in Latin, French, Italian and German, indicating it was intended for sale both within Germany and to the export trade. Condition: Numerous small holes to left margin and large waterstain to top right corner, not affecting image. Stains in upper left corner and centre of image. |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £500.00 |
| Stock ID | 35756 |