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Optica Print, The Hague Canal and Cannon Foundry by Basset, c.1770
$530
€470 · £400
Original print, not a reproduction.
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- Date
- 1770
- Sheet size
- 12.6 × 19.1 in (32 × 48.5 cm)
- Condition
- Good. Good condition. Strong impression with bright period hand coloring. Light general age toning, faint spots mainly in blank margins, minor marginal handling marks typical for 18th-century optical prints. Wide margins intact, no tears or repairs.
- Collection
- Knights & armour
- Era
- 1700 to 1789, Wars of the line
- Stock no.
- f_45746202
Optica View The Hague Canal & Cannon Foundry, Basset c.1770
This is a finely engraved and hand-colored optical print titled *Vue du Canal et de l’Hotel de Fonderie de Canon a la Haye*, published by Basset, Rue St Jacques, Paris, circa 1770. The scene depicts a wide tree-lined avenue in The Hague, featuring the canal and the building of the cannon foundry.
The perspective shows elegant buildings on the left, one with a sculptural facade decoration and gold crest, identified as the Hôtel de Fonderie de Canon. The canal runs along the right side, with several boats and gondolas transporting passengers, merchants, and goods. Finely dressed figures walk, ride horses, or ride in carriages along the central promenade lined with mature trees. The engraving is richly hand-colored in green, ochre, red, and blue tones, typical of 18th-century optica prints.
Optica prints (vues d’optique) were designed to be viewed through a zograscope, creating a vivid three-dimensional effect. These perspective engravings were popular educational and decorative items depicting famous European cityscapes, sold widely by publishers in Paris, Augsburg, and London.
Condition report:
Good condition. Strong impression with bright period hand coloring. Light general age toning, faint spots mainly in blank margins, minor marginal handling marks typical for 18th-century optical prints. Wide margins intact, no tears or repairs affecting the image.
Framing suggestion:
Frame with a simple black or dark wood moulding and an archival off-white or cream mat to emphasize the vibrant colors and perspective. UV-protective glass is recommended to preserve the colors and paper quality.
