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.

This striking optica print portrays a street and cypress garden in Constantinople. The street is filled with richly dressed men and women. Titles in several languages are at bottom: Magni Sultani Deambulacra Versus Cupressetum / Avenues du Grand Sultan vers le Jardin de Cipres / Viali del Gran Sultano verso il Giardino de Cipressi / Luft-Gange des Gross-Sultans Gegen dem Cypressen Garten.

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Condition: B+

Original color that has been partially refreshed with light soiling and a small hole in the sky below the title.