University and Queen’s Colleges, Oxford – 1780

This beautifully hand-coloured original print represents a view of the famous Queen’s College located in Oxford University. It was engraved by Balthazar Friedrich Leizelt and was published in 1780 in the publication “Vues d’Optique”.
This type of etching, popular at the time, was developed to give the impression of depth when viewed through a zograscope, an optical device consisting of a magnifying lens and sometimes an angled mirror. The texts were at times inverted and the scenes and perspectives were attractive and exotic: cities near and far, palaces, gardens, architecture and monuments. Similar to postcards today, these scenes allowed viewers to be armchair travellers. Often some elements of the image are painted with bright colours, particularly the people (here some buildings and the sky, as well).

Bathasar Friedrich Leizelt (active 1750–1800) was a German artist and copper engraver who worked mainly in Augsburg, Germany.

Artist / Publisher: Balthasar Friedrich Leizelt.

Medium: Copper etching, watercolour highlights.

Condition: Very good condition.

Dimensions : 26 x 41.5 cm. / 10 ¼ x 16 ¼ in.

Frame: Unmounted.

Origin: France.