Perspective view of Church of the Val-de-Grâce, Paris.
Title: Vue perspective du Monasterre Royal du Val de Grace du côte du Jardins.
Print maker and publisher: Jacques Chéreau (29 October 1688 in Blois, France – 1 December 1776 in Paris).
Production date: c.1780.
Image size: 22,5 x 39 cms.
Condition: some tape on the back.
From about 1740 to about 1820 optical prints, also called "vue optique" or "vue d'optique" prints were made to be viewed through a Zograscope, or other devices of convex lens and mirror, all of which produced optical illusion of depth. Intaglio optical prints have exaggerated converging lines and bright hand colors which contribute to the illusion of depth. Typically the legends of optical prints have reversed words along the top edge as those would be seen though the scope, but words on the bottom of the prints are normal. Jacques and his brother were considered some of the most prolific publishers of prints in Paris. Subjects include current events, views of the known world, and fantasy compositions.