NO RESERVE

"View of the Canal in St. James's Park / Vue du Grand Canal dans le Parc de S Jacques a Londres", Bowles, John

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.

An attractive view of the tree-lined path along the canal in St. James Park with a portion of Buckingham Palace in the background. Titles in both French and English. Published by John Bowles & Son.

References:

Condition: B+

On a watermarked sheet with a few extraneous creases at lower right. There are a few small edge chips and tears confined to the blank margins.