French School, 18th Century Six Vues d'Optique

Description:

French School, 18th Century

Six Vues d'Optique of European Gardens and Villas
Identified within the plates, most signed "chez Basset" within the plates l.r.
Hand-colored engravings, sight sizes to 12 x 16 3/4 in. (30.5 x 42.5 cm),framed.
Condition: Toning, some with staining and fox marks, not examined out of frames.

N.B. Vues d'optique prints were popular souvenirs for European travelers in the 18th century. The hand-colored engravings were enjoyed and shared at home using an optical viewing device known as a zograscope or viewfinder comprised of a lens and a mirror which reversed the image and enhanced the sense of depth.


Estimate $1,000-1,500

Frames measure 17 1/2 x 22 1/8 in.

One of the prints was published by Daumont, another Parisian publisher of the 18th Century.


Items may have wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.