Optica View Amsterdam Amstel River by Rondel, Winckler c.1770
€ 280
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Date
1770
Sheet size
32 × 43 cm (12.6 × 16.9 in)
Condition
Fair
Reference
BG-13076-2
Condition
Fair condition. Strong impression with bright original period hand coloring. Light general age toning and minor marginal handling marks, typical for 18th-century optical prints. Tight margins with some creases and folds.
About this sheet
Optica View Amsterdam Amstel River by Rondel, Winckler c.1770
This is a finely engraved and hand-colored optical print titled La Riviere d’Amstel à Amsterdam pres le Logement t’Rondel, published in Augsburg by the Academy circa 1770. The engraving was made by Jean Benoit Winckler (fl. c.1760-1790) after an original drawing by Jan de Beijer (1703-1780), a renowned Dutch topographical artist.
The scene depicts the Amstel River in Amsterdam near the building known as 't Rondel. It shows elegant canal houses lining the river, a large industrial warehouse with smoke rising from a chimney, and several ornate passenger barges and cargo boats with figures rowing and steering. The perspective includes detailed architectural façades, trees along the quay, and bridges in the distance, all vividly hand-colored in pastel shades typical of 18th-century optica views.
Optica prints (vues d’optique) were perspective engravings designed for viewing through a zograscope to create a three-dimensional illusion. The reverse title at the top reads La Riviere D’Amstel a Amsterdam for viewing in such a device. These prints were popular educational and decorative items in Europe, depicting famous city views, ports, and monuments.
Condition report:
Fair condition. Strong impression with bright original period hand coloring. Light general age toning and minor marginal handling marks, typical for 18th-century optical prints. Tight margins with some creases and folds.
Framing suggestion:
Frame with a simple black or dark wood moulding and an archival off-white or cream mat to highlight the vivid coloring and perspective engraving. UV-protective glass is recommended to preserve the colors and paper quality.
