106e Vue Perspective de la Superbe Place de St. Marc a Venice.

Fine c.18th vue Optic of Piazza San Marco, Venice, with the western facade of St Mark’s Basilica on the right of the image and the clock tower at centre.

Vue Optic: During the c.18th “vues d’optique” became extremely popular in England and Europe. They capitalised on a market eager for the latest novelty. They were specifically designed to create the illusion of perspective when viewed with a zograscope or perspective glass. These viewing devices used a series of reflecting mirrors to enhance the illusion of depth in the print, creating a veritable “view” for the onlooker.