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.

A lovely view of Jerusalem illustrating Sukkot - also known as Feast of Tabernacles or Feast of Booths. Sukkot is an important Jewish holiday and one of the Three Pilgrimage Festivals, known as the Shlosha Regalime. The sukkah represents the fragile dwellings in which the ancient Israelites dwelt during their wandering in the desert after the Exodus. Throughout the holiday the sukkah becomes the living area of the house where meals are taken, and these festivities are vividly portrayed in this view.

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Condition: B+

Dark impression and with strong original color. There is soil and a small hole in the margins.