Vue Perspective de la Ville de Geneve prise du Cote de Lac

A Rare Perspective Vue or Vue d'Optique of the City of Geneva sometime during the mid to late 18th Century.

Printed Chez Daumont rue St Martin.

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Perspective Views (Optical print, vue perspective, vue d'optique or in German, Guckkastenblättern) were meant to be seen with a special viewer to enhance the three dimensional effect. They were very popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. They were designed according to strict principles of linear perspective, with a distant object placed in the center of the print, as is the case with this example. Viewed through a special "machine," the three dimensional effect was enhanced. The colors of these wonderful old prints are often bright and naive, as for children's illustrations. Traveling vendors -- who went around to fairs offering views of the images through the Optical Machine for a few pennies -- often did the handcoloring themselves, so it tends to be a bit rough compared with other period engravings. In our view this adds to the charm of these pieces!

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