Ruines de l’ancienne Rome les restes du Temple de Minerve.

Fine C18th vue Optic of the ancient temple of Minerva, Assisi.

The Temple of Minerva is an ancient Roman building in Assisi, Umbria, central Italy. It currently houses a church, Santa Maria sopra Minerva, built in 1539 and renovated in Baroque style in the 17th century.

Vue Optic

During the C18th “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.