Original title
Vue du superbe Temple du Serpent dans la Ville de Juida a la Chine
Description
XVIIIth century optical view in original watercolors. Original copper plate engraving on laid paper heightened with watercolor at that time. Published in Paris circa 1760, depicting a view of the Temple of the Snake in Juida (China).
During the 18th Century, several renowned establishments in Paris, London (England), Augsburg (Germany) and Bassano (Italy) were specialized in the creation of these optical views. They could be viewed alone or through a zograscope, a wooden foot surmounted by a lens which enlarged the image and accentuated the perspective effect. They could also be placed in optical boxes, the spectator then looked inside the box through the lens. This distraction was greatly appreciated in the 18th Century in the salons of the bourgeoisie and the nobility as in the countryside thanks to the hawkers.
These etchings are nowadays exhibited in museums around the world and extremely appreciated by collectors and decorators for their historical interest and their high decorative value.
Museums & Archives
The MUCEM : Musée des civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée (Marseille, France) owns a copy of this optical view in its collections. For more details on this print please consult the site : Vue du superbe temple du serpent dans la ville de juida a la chine
Condition report
This optical view is extracted from a series of several views mounted end to end. This roller was intended to be used in an boîte d’optique (optical box) fitted with a crank in order to scroll through the images. These views are devoid of margins, numbered (labels or traces of labels in the upper part) and most often include some vestiges of the mounting on the back (strips of paper or fabric glued).
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The reigns of Yongzheng (from 1723 to 1735) and Qianlong (1735-1796) are considered the zenith of the power of the Qing Empire, which then stretched over 13 million square kilometers. Authoritarian administrator, Yongzheng reformed the imperial exam and punished financial corruption and the trafficking of coins among civil servants. In 1733, the Emperor created the Grand Council, which served as the decision-making body of the imperial court. When Yongzheng died, his son Hongli succeeded him under the name of Qianlong Reign. A competent general, he staged revolts in Xinjiang, Tibet, Sichuan and Mongolia.
In 1788 and 1791, the Gurkhas invaded Tibet. The latter, unable to free himself, requests the help of Qianlong, who sends armies there to restore the Dalai Lama, he then associates a Qing resident and a garrison with him. In 1792, he issued a 29-point decree that tightened Chinese control over Tibet. The Tibetan currency hitherto produced in Nepal is therefore produced in China.
The Putuo Zongcheng temple in Chengde, built in the 18th century under the reign of Qianlong. The reign of Qianlong is however marked by a development of corruption among the imperial officials. Triggered in 1796, the revolt of the movements designated under the collective name of sect of white lotus, combines demands against the taxes and an anti-Manchu sentiment; the movement takes eight years to be subdued, during a conflict which results in approximately 16 million deaths.
China meanwhile continues its policy of closing abroad. In 1793, the diplomatic mission of George Macartney, sent by the kingdom of Great Britain, failed to establish a permanent embassy in Beijing as to obtain a liberalization of trade between the two countries. China thus delays the moment of its contact with the West.
The Galerie Napoléon is pleased to propose to you this strong water etching printed 264 years ago (around 1760).
As for all the antique prints in our catalogue, this optical view Vue du superbe Temple du Serpent dans la Ville de Juida a la Chine datant de 1760 is dispatched worldwide within 24H in a Secured packaging, accompanied by its certificate of authenticity guaranteeing the name of the artists (draughtsman, engraver, editor), the impression process used (Strong water) and its date (1760).
In order to guarantee a perfect conservation in time, this strong water etching is dispatched, ready to be framed, under museum quality color passepartout (manufactured without acid in the pulp for a neutral pH) on a cream mountboard made from carton bois (also acid free & neutral pH), in a luxurious portfolio.
At the apogee of the mode for optical views, between 1750 and 1790, four European cities specialized in their edition: Paris (France), London (England), Augsburg (Germany) and Bassano (Italy).
Optical views are prized in very different social circles : pleasant recreation in aristocratic salons, the views are admired in beautiful and richly decorated optical boxes which are real works of art. The show was transformed into a real scientific experiment. But the optical views also entertained the people who were in a hurry when a hawker set up a box on a market and began to narrate the extraordinary events that had taken place in a more or less distant and inaccessible country.
There are three categories in the production of optical views.
With more than 20 years experience and a catalogue of more than 40.000 antique prints, drawings and historical documents dating from the 14th to the 19th century, the Galerie Napoléon, parisian antique dealer's gallery, is one of the world references in the field of antique prints,etchings and antique graphic arts.
In addition to thousands of impassioned of antique prints throughout the world, the Galerie Napoléon is honoured to count among its customers : national archives, museums, historical monuments and important home designer companies. All attracted by the extraordinary diversity of its catalogue and the quality and speed of its services.
This experience allows us to guarantee to each one of our customers the authenticity of the antiques in our catalogue and the shipment of their orders within 24 hours.
Customize for free the color of your museum quality bevel cut edge passepartout (acid free & neutral pH) among a color chart of 23 shades.
This option will be offered to you free of charge in the cart.
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