Probst, Optica View of Amsterdam Spiegelgracht to Leidsegracht, 1750, Engraving

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Optica View Amsterdam Spiegelgracht to Leidsegracht, Probst c.1750 This is a finely engraved and hand-colored optical print titled Dominorum fossa … Read more Optica View Amsterdam Spiegelgracht to Leidsegracht, Probst c.1750 This is a finely engraved and hand-colored optical print titled Dominorum fossa de Speculorum via vergens ad fossam Leydensem Amstellodamensis, published by Georg Balthasar Probst in Augsburg circa 1750. The title translates to 'The canal of the Lords (Herengracht) seen from the Mirror Street (Spiegelgracht) towards the Leidsegracht in Amsterdam'. The view depicts the Spiegelgracht canal lined with elegant tall canal houses, rows of trees, and numerous figures in period costume walking along the quay. Several richly decorated boats, including a barge with an ornate pink flag bearing a golden lion, float on the canal. In the distance, bridges span the waterway, enhancing the strong perspective depth typical of optica views. Optica prints (vues d’optique) were perspective engravings designed to be viewed through a zograscope to create an illusion of three-dimensional depth. Georg Balthasar Probst was one of the leading publishers of optical views in Augsburg in the mid-18th century, producing city views and landmark scenes of Europe for the educational and decorative market. Condition report: Fair condition. Strong impression with vivid period hand coloring. Light general age toning, faint scattered spots in the water area, and minor handling marks typical for 18th-century optical prints. Margins repaired, with edge wear and small corner nicks not affecting the printed image. Framing suggestion: Frame with a simple black or dark wood moulding and an archival off-white or cream mat to emphasize the rich coloring and strong linear perspective. UV-protective glass is recommended to preserve the colors and paper quality. See less