Lisbon Harbour View – Optical Print of Port and Tagus River c.1780
€ 340
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1780
Sheet size
35 × 47 cm (13.8 × 18.5 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-14104-3
What the condition grades mean
Excellent
Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good
Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good
Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair
Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Condition
The print is in good condition for its age, with overall strong paper quality. Margins show age toning and edge wear, consistent with handling and storage over two centuries. The colors remain vivid with minor spotting.
About this sheet
Lisbon Harbour Optical Print – View of Tagus River Port Scene c.1780
This charming antique optical print depicts a bustling view of Lisbon’s harbor and the mouth of the Tagus River, dating from around 1780. Optical prints, also known as vues d’optique, were designed in the 18th century for use in viewing devices that created an illusion of depth, making scenes like this appear vividly three-dimensional. These prints were especially popular in European salons, providing a virtual journey to faraway cities and ports for their viewers.
The print shows numerous ships docked and sailing on the river, while figures are actively loading goods onto boats in the foreground, dressed in late 18th-century attire. A tall lighthouse tower and fortifications frame the cityscape, with a vibrant urban skyline rendered in delicate hand-coloring. The print carries multilingual titles below in Latin, Italian, French, and German, indicating its European market distribution. It was published by Georg Balthasar Probst, a well-known Augsburg publisher specializing in optical prints, noted for their crisp engravings and bright color applications. Probst was active from the mid to late 18th century and his works remain sought after among collectors of city views and early travel art.
The technique used is copper engraving with original hand coloring. The clarity of linework combined with careful watercolor application gives this print its distinct charm and period character. Optical prints like this are prized for their historical documentary value as well as their decorative appeal.
Condition summary: The print is in good condition for its age, with overall strong paper quality. Margins show age toning and edge wear, consistent with handling and storage over two centuries. The colors remain vivid with minor spotting.
Framing tips: This print would look elegant in a classic black or dark walnut frame to highlight the engraved details, or a gold moulded frame for a traditional European salon presentation. Use a light cream or off-white acid-free mount to emphasize the warm tones and maintain focus on the intricate harbor scene. Display under UV-protective glass to preserve the historic pigments for years to come.
