Views of America · 18th century
€ 610
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
General wear, but image is in clean condition with no faults within its plate-mark, making this optica print ideal for framing. Outside the plate imprint a bit scuffy. Please study image carefully.
Engraver: Anonymous, French, 18th century
Publisher: Daumont (Paris)
Original colour. A 'vue d'optique' of Havana, designed to be looked at through a zograscope, with the title in reverse above the view. The naive style of colouring is standard for these prints, but the English version of the title is unusually inept. In the foreground are a number of ships, including a galleon firing its cannon. The chain boom can be seen across the entrance of the harbour.
By the middle of the 18th century Havana had more than seventy thousand inhabitants, and was the third-largest city in the Americas, ranking behind Lima and Mexico City but ahead of Boston and New York.
Transport yourself to 18th-century Havana through the mesmerizing optics of "A View General of the City de Havana, Amerique / Vue Generale de la Ville de Havana en Amerique." Crafted by an anonymous French engraver and published by Daumont in Paris around 1760, this optical print is a visual time capsule.
Hand-colored and expertly etched, this piece encapsulates the vibrant essence of Havana. With intricate details, it presents a panoramic vista of the city, capturing its architectural grandeur, bustling harbor, and lively streets.
Measuring 11 13/16 x 14 3/4 inches (plate) and 14 5/16 x 20 1/2 inches (sheet), this etching immerses viewers in the beauty and allure of Havana's landscape. The hand-colored touches enhance its allure, bringing to life the city's vibrant hues and atmospheric ambiance.
As you gaze upon this optical print, let yourself be transported to the harbour of Havana in the 18th century, marveling at the architectural splendor and the bustling life of this historic city captured in this stunning piece of artistry.
