Mall Dans St. James

Date1752

After work by John Baptiste Chatelain (1710 - 1758)

MediumLine engraving on laid paper

DimensionsOverall: 11 3/16 × 18 1/16in. (28.4 × 45.9cm) Other (Plate): 24 × 41.1cm (9 7/16 × 16 3/16in.)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1983-214

DescriptionUpper margin reads: (In reverse) "Vue du Mal dans S.t James"
Lower margin reads: "Vue du Mall dans S.t James./Se vend cher l'acquier rue S.t Severin aupres d'Englise"
Label TextThis print depicts a view of Saint James park in London. Optical views were prints made for the intention of being viewed under a perspective glass, or zograscope. A zograscope is composed of a convex lens and a mirror positioned behind it, giving the viewer an illusion of depth when used. Thus, this print manipulates that illusion through the tree lines it depicts, having them converge at a common point in order to enhance the perception of depth. Furthermore, artists would often engrave the title of the print backwards on the upper margin so it could be read under the glass, as seen in this print.