Camp of Israel and the Sacrifice of the Red Heifer Optical View, 1770, Print

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Title: Camp of Israel and the Ceremony of the Red Heifer – Hand-Colored Optical Print, ca. 1770 This vivid hand-colored … Read more Title: Camp of Israel and the Ceremony of the Red Heifer – Hand-Colored Optical Print, ca. 1770 This vivid hand-colored copperplate engraving titled “Vue du Camp d’Israel et de la Cérémonie du Sacrifice de la Vache Rousse” (View of the Camp of Israel and the Ceremony of the Sacrifice of the Red Heifer) was published in Paris by Mondhare around 1770. It belongs to the *vue d’optique* tradition—prints designed for viewing through a zograscope to produce an illusion of depth, often with reversed titles at the top. The print depicts the Biblical ceremony described in the Book of Numbers, where Moses commands the sacrifice of the Red Heifer as a ritual purification for the Israelites. In the foreground, priests prepare the burnt offering, feeding logs into a towering pyre as thick smoke rises skyward. Figures in colorful robes gather around in solemn participation, while others draw and pour water into large vessels used in the sacred rites. Beyond the crowd stretches the orderly encampment of Israel, with the Tabernacle at its center surrounded by rows of tents and flanked by distant mountains. The composition’s strong perspective and bold hand coloring in red, blue, yellow, and black enhance its visual depth and ceremonial grandeur. Louis-Joseph Mondhare (1734–1799), a leading Parisian print dealer, published numerous optical and religious views for both educational and decorative purposes. His biblical scenes, such as this one, combined narrative detail with dramatic spectacle, reflecting Enlightenment-era curiosity about ancient and sacred history. Condition: Slight toning and a few marginal creases; excellent color preservation with vivid pigments; strong impression and clean plate mark. Framing tips: Best presented in a gold or black frame with a cream mat to highlight the rich colors. Floating the print allows the full sheet and plate mark to remain visible, preserving its historical authenticity. Technique: Hand-colored copperplate engraving (vue d’optique) Maker: Mondhare, Paris, circa 1770 See less