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.

A lovely view of a street in the main plaza of the lower part of Quebec. The wide boulevard is filled with marching soldiers and people going about their daily business.

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Condition: B

A nice impression with full contemporary color on a watermarked sheet with several extraneous creases that have been pressed flat and moderate soiling outside of the image. There are archival repairs to several small holes at bottom.