Title: Hand-Colored Optical View of Buitenhof, The Hague, by Jacob Wagner, ca. 1760
This hand-colored optical view, created by Jacob Wagner and published around 1760, depicts the Buitenhof in The Hague, The Netherlands. Titled "Vuë de la Cour exterieure à la Haye," the engraving shows people wandering on the Buitenhof square, with beautiful buildings lining the area. The scene is filled with the activity of everyday life, offering a glimpse into 18th-century Dutch society.
This "vue d’optique" was crafted for use with a Zograscope or similar optical devices, which created an illusion of depth. These types of prints were designed to entertain and educate viewers by providing realistic, perspective-enhanced depictions of foreign or well-known locations.
The engraving is signed by Cornelis Pronk as the delineator and Jacob Wagner as the engraver, showcasing the collaboration of artists typical of the period. The hand-coloring adds charm, emphasizing architectural details and the people populating the square, which enhances the viewer's sense of immersion.
Condition report: Smudges and creases along the margins, dirt and smudges on the verso. Overall, a charming impression with slight signs of wear commensurate with age.
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