Vue du Palais et du Jardin de Lichtenstein d´ou l´on decouvre l´Hopital des Espagnols et l´Eglise de N. Dame de la...

Article description

Original copper engraving on laid paper with watermark, then hand colored. Published by Louis-Joseph Mondhare in Paris in 1770, with a view of the Liechtenstein Palace and Gardens in Vienna (Austria). New World / 18th century optical view in historical colours. In the 18th century, several renowned institutions in Paris, London (England), Augsburg (Germany) and Bassano (Italy) specialized in the creation of these optical views. They could be viewed alone or through a sograscope, a wooden base surmounted by a lens that magnifies the image and emphasizes the perspective effect. They could also be placed in optical boxes so that the viewer looks into the box through the lens. This entertainment was very popular in the 18th century in the salons of the bourgeoisie and aristocracy, as well as in the countryside thanks to the street vendors. These engravings are now exhibited in museums around the world and are highly valued by collectors and decorators for their historical interest and high decorative value.