Early Amsterdam Bridge Perspective Optical Engraving Leizelt Collection des Prospects – 18th Century, The Netherlands

Early Amsterdam Bridge Perspective Optical Engraving Leizelt Collection des Prospects – 18th Century, The Netherlands
Amsterdam 18th century perspective / optical engraving depicting Halve Maans Bridge with a view of the gates of St. Anthony engraved by Jan de Beijer and published by Frederic Leizelt. The view is populated with small figures of 18th-century society, each telling a story of everyday life, very much in the tradition of Flemish art. Perspective view etchings, also known as optical prints, were popular in the 18th and early 19th century and meant to be viewed with an optical device. The buildings’ converging horizontal lines and the way the figures appear smaller with distance accentuated the illusion of depth. The main centers for perspective view prints were London, Paris, Augsburg and Bassano. Inscription below the image read as follows: LE PONT DE HALVE MANS BRUGG. Collection des Prospects. J. de Beyer ad viv del. Le Pont de Halve Mans Brugg Vue vers le Colvenier Doelen et le Poids de St. Antoine a Amsterdam Grave par J. Frederic Leizelt This etching is part of the Collection des Prospects. They were meant to be seen with optical machines. Their popularity diminished when the illusion of depth they provided was surpassed by stereoscopic photographs circa 1850. It comes matted and framed, ready to display. Mounted on cardboard, toning, foxing and imperfections as shown, sold as is. Shipped fully insured with tracking number.

Measurements: Frame: 23 1/4″ by 19 1/4″ approximately.

Item ID: 4316 RP

18th Century Dutch nautical engraving Optical engraving Antique Dutch Perspective print Collection Prospects HALVEMANS bridge Frederic Leizelt Leizelt perspective Amsterdam engraving Gates of St Anthony gift for him gift for her