Images(26)

"Trompe-L'Oeil, ou les Plaisirs..."

Dateca. 1830

OriginEurope, France

MediumPaper, cardboard, and string

DimensionsDiam of each disc: 2 1/8"

Credit LineGift of Anonymous Donors

Object number1971-1821

DescriptionCircular box containing twelve printed disks, several pieces of string, and a needle. The top of the box is printed with a label that reads “LES TROMPE-L’OEIL/ou/les Plaisirs de Jocko/Amusement de Société (translation: Optical Illusions/or/the Pleasures of Jocko/Society Game). Below the title is a picture of a green monkey playing with the cards that can be found inside the box. The entire label is encircled by a gilded filigree paper border. The sides of the box are covered with purple paper stenciled with geometric designs made up entirely of gold dots. The bottom of the box is left plain with some pencil markings. There are more pencil markings inside the lid as well as a red stamp that reads “Collection/H. Lavedan”. Inside are twelve printed disks (see paper file for complete list). Each side of the disk contains one half of the image. By means of two strings attached at the outer edges of the radius, each disc can be spun rapidly so that the two incomplete parts momentarily merge for the viewer into a whole picture. Several pink and brown strings are clumped at the bottom of the box as well as a metal needle.
ProvenancePurchased by the donor from F & G Staack, 43 E. 50th St., New York, on February 12, 1947, for $37.50 (see bill in object folder). Formerly in the collection of H. Lavedan.