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BASSET, Paul-Andre : The Foundling Hospital London

280 x 415 mm., early wash colour, with large deckled edge margins, in good condition.

This copperplate engraving is a fine example of the school of prints known loosely as 'Vue d'Optique'. They are most easily recognised by there consistent dimensions and style with notable blue wash skies. They are a form of perspective view which were popular during the eighteenth century in Europe. They were designed to be viewed through an optical device known as a 'zograscope' or 'optique', and were issued by many different publishers in various cities. This one is by Paul-Andre Basset who is part of an extensive family of print publishers in Paris. It is a fine bird's-eye view of the Foundling Hospital in London founded in 1741 by Thomas Coram. He was a philanthropic sea captain who set up the home as a place for children to be educated and housed who had been abandoned or deserted. The word hospital was used more openly in those days to refer to hospitality rather than today's meaning of more medical needs.