ILLUMINATED VUE d'OPTIQUE: "de Liege a Aix-la-Chapelle

Antwerp (?): Unknown Publisher, 1835. Hand-colored illuminated vue d'optique. 6 3/4 inches by 8 3/4 inches. Prior to the invention of photography perspective views, called "vues d'optiques" by the French, were a specialized approach to engraving that exhibited a heightened perspective to approximate a 3-dimensional effect. Those precursors to photographic stereoviews frequently were hand-colored. Most of them were designed to be viewed via mirrors in a device like a zograscope. Less common were translucent prints that had to be backlit (for example in a "peep-show" box) to be seen as perspective views. Such "illuminated vues d'optiques" are now much more scarce. The vue d'optique offered here is a circa 1831-1835 view of a section of railroad track (with a steam engine) that is almost certainly an artist's conception of a proposed rail line between Liege, Belgium and Aix-la Chapelle (Aachen), Germany. It is a very attractive view that is in excellent condition but for a fingernail size closed tear that does not negatively impact the view when illuminated.. First Edition. Single Sheet. Very Good. 6 3/4 inches by 8 3/4 Inches. Fine Art Print.