Description This optical print shows a view of a breakfast party in the interior of the Rotunda at Ranelagh Gardens in London. The scene is filled with an air of elegance and sophistication as guests enjoy their meal amidst the stunning architecture and picturesque surroundings. The rotunda, designed by William Jones, stands tall and majestic, its arches creating a sense of grandeur. Tables are beautifully set with fine china and silverware, inviting guests to indulge in a sumptuous feast. A cozy fireplace crackles nearby, providing warmth and adding to the intimate ambiance. Both men and women can be seen engaged in lively conversations while relishing their meals. The atmosphere is one of leisurely enjoyment as people savor delicious food and drink within this enchanting setting. The intricate engravings on display throughout the rotunda’s galleries add an artistic touch to the scene. The print was designed to be viewed through special optical boxes with lenses that inverted the image and gave the sense of depth. Made by an anonymous engraver after Daumont. Medium: engraving on hand laid (verge) paper. Sheet size: 40 x 27.7 cm (15.75 x 10.91 inch). Image size: 38.5 x 27 cm. (15.16 x 10.63 inch). Condition: good, given age. Small margin. Brown spots upper left corner. Smudges on reverse. Creases. One tear in upper margin restored. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully. ENGLAND-LONDON-RANELAGH GARDENS-ROTUNDA-LUNCH PARTY-ARCHITECTURE | RBOS-A9-26 BACKGROUND INFORMATION This attractive print was published in Paris, ca 1750. This is an optical print, also called ‘vue optique’ or ‘vue d’optique’, which were made to be viewed through a Zograscope, or other devices of convex lens and mirrors, all of which produced an optical illusion of depth. Biography artist: Daumont was a well-known publisher of optical prints, established in Paris. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries there were many popular speciality establishments in Paris, Augsburg and London which produced optical viewing devices and special engravings to be viewed through them.
