Vue d'optique explained

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]}

Notes and References

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