"II e Vue du Fort Royal de la Martinique…", Anon.

Optical prints (or vue d’optique) were made to be viewed in a special apparatus that provided the viewer with an illusion of depth (early 3-D). The large mirror employed in the viewing machine showed the image reversed so many of these views have the titles and information engraved forward and backwards to facilitate viewing in the machine or by hand. These prints were only produced for a short period of time (1740 to 1790) and then were replaced with the invention of the smaller steroviewer. These views are some of the most distinctive and interesting images of the eighteenth century, and their distinctive engraving style, striking perspective and bright original color makes them as visually delightful as they are historically fascinating.

This finely engraved and brightly colored vue d'optique is a panoramic view across the fort with the town and hills in the background. Good detail of the fortifications and the fort's construction. The title across the top is engraved in reverse for viewing through the perspective machine. Engraved by F. Leizelt.

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Condition: B

With fine original coloring and dark engraved lines. The view is trimmed to neatlines and shows a little foxing in lower portion. Hinge remnant on verso.