Optical prints (or vue d’optique) were made to be viewed in a special apparatus that provided the viewer with an illusion of depth (early 3-D). The large mirror employed in the viewing machine showed the image reversed so many of these views have the titles and information engraved forward and backwards to facilitate viewing in the machine or by hand. These prints were only produced for a short period of time (1740 to 1790) and then were replaced with the invention of the smaller steroviewer. These views are some of the most distinctive and interesting images of the eighteenth century, and their distinctive engraving style, striking perspective and bright original color makes them as visually delightful as they are historically fascinating.

An interesting set of optical views illustrating the life of Joseph and his brothers. Titles below each scene are in French, Latin, Italian, German, some with a title in reverse at top.

1) Joseph recita ses Songes a fes freres.
2) Ses Freres le jetterent dans la fosse.
3) Ses Freres le vendirent.
4) Ils firent porter a leur pere la robe bigarree de Joseph.
5) Et les Madianites le vendirent en Egypte a Poiphar, Eunuque de Pharaon. No backing.
6) Joseph tente de la Femme de Potiphar.
7) Joseph amassa une tres considerable quantite de ble. Ink in lower caption.
8) Les fils de Jacob doivent laisser Simeon en arriere, jusqu a ce qu' ils ameneront Benjamin a Joseph.
9) Et Joseph elevant ses yeux vit Benjamin son frere, etc.
10) Jacob joint son fils Joseph en Egypte. No backing.
11) Bonte de Joseph envers ses freres. No backing.

References:

Condition: B

Original color. Most are backed with a sheet of rough paper, unless noted. All are soiled with some damage in the margins.