Vue optique #3 - l'Abbaye Royale du Val-de-Grâce c.1760

Vues optiques were all the rage in Europe from around 1740 until the first decade of the 19th century. They were strictly-drawn perspective engravings, hand-coloured, showing famous landscapes or monuments or interiors of the time. Whilst they could be viewed as-is, they were specifically created to be used with one of two special viewers, either called a boîte optique, or a zograscope, which resembled a large lens with a mirror mounted on a stand. When viewed through one of these contraptions, the carefully-thought-out perspective view would take on a three-dimensional view, with a foreground and little figures coming to the front whilst the central vanishing-point appeared off in the distance.

This vue is a little earlier I think, judging by the style of the back of the gowns worn by the women to the front of the picture - possibly around 1760. Its subject is still standing in the 5e arrondissement in Paris. It was built in 1624 and was decommissioned during the Revolution when it became a military hospital.

This image is in good condition. Actual mice have nibbled one corner, but the nibbling hasn’t touched the picture, which is still charming with beautifully drawn details of in-vogue costumes. It measures 48.5x33cm.

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