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Optical Print of an Arsenal Interior – Upper Hall with Arms Display, c.1760
About the Item
18th-Century Optical Print of an Arsenal Interior – Upper Hall with Arms Display
This remarkable hand-colored engraving from the mid-18th century presents a dramatic and meticulously detailed view of an upper-level hall in a grand European arsenal. Designed for viewing through a zograscope, or optical viewing machine, the print forms part of the celebrated *vue d’optique* genre, which was popular for both education and entertainment among Enlightenment-era audiences. This particular scene was produced by Georg Balthasar Probst in Augsburg, one of the leading publishers of these perspectival prints.
The image showcases the “partis superioris armamentarii,” or upper level of an armory, as stated in Latin, French, Italian, and German at the base of the print. A soaring vaulted ceiling crowns a symmetrical architectural interior, with paired columns stretching to the vanishing point. Lavishly festooned with halberds, shields, pikes, swords, helmets, drums, and banners, the armory reads almost like a cathedral dedicated to martial power.
Soldiers and workers in colorful 18th-century military dress—primarily in scarlet red, deep blue, and gold—move through the space, maintaining weapons, inspecting gear, or simply conversing. Neatly stacked cannonballs, barrels, and muskets line the room, while climbing ladders and organized piles add a lively, almost theatrical dynamism to the scene.
The print’s perspective lines and reflective coloring were designed to be viewed through an optical device, enhancing the illusion of depth and immersing the viewer in the space. These prints served not only as visual novelties but also as tools for educating viewers on foreign cities, military installations, palaces, and spectacles they might never see in person.
Condition:
Fair overall with bold original hand-coloring. The sheet shows expected signs of age including light edge wear, some surface spotting, and faint old creases. The reversed title at the top (visible in mirror view) confirms its original purpose for use in an optical box.
Framing Tips:
This piece works beautifully when float-mounted to show the full border and multilingual title strip. Pair with a gold or black wooden frame with soft inner detailing to complement the architectural tones. An excellent conversation piece for collectors of military art, 18th-century European engravings, or antique optical prints.
- Dimensions:Height: 13.67 in (34.7 cm)Width: 18.63 in (47.3 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:Paper,Engraved
- Period:1760-1769
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1760
- Condition:Fair overall with bold original hand-coloring. The sheet shows expected signs of age including light edge wear, some surface spotting, and faint old creases. The reversed title at the top (visible in mirror view) confirms its original purpose for use.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-12333-21stDibs: LU3054345435442
About the Seller
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