Hand-colored engraving by Franz Xavier Habermann, circa 1760
€300.00
This authentic antique print, measuring 41 cm × 30 cm , created by Franz Xavier Habermann as a fine example of Hand-colored engraving work from the 18th Century (1700s).
It is preserved in Very Good condition and displays remarkable period craftsmanship.
1 in stock
This vintage Quebec engraving shows the lower town facing the St. Lawrence River. Engraved by Francois Xavier Habermann, it is part of the ‘Collection des Prospects’ published around 1760. The print measures 30 by 41 cm and features beautiful contemporary hand coloring. It is a rare example of a Vue d’Optique or Optical print, designed to create a three-dimensional effect. Mounted on antique paper, the condition is very good.
This artwork captures an 18th-century view of Quebec, offering insight into the historic cityscape and its river setting. It appeals to collectors and lovers of early American and Canadian prints. The detailed craftsmanship and vivid colors make this engraving a valuable and decorative historical piece. Owning this vintage Quebec engraving means possessing a unique part of North American colonial heritage and artistic history.
Franz Xavier Habermann (1721–1796) was a German engraver and artist known for his detailed urban views and ornament designs. He worked primarily in Augsburg and specialized in “vues d’optique”—prints designed to be viewed through optical devices creating a three-dimensional effect. Habermann is particularly noted for his artistic reconstructions of American cities like New York and Boston during the 18th century. His elegant rococo-style engravings contributed significantly to printmaking art and are valued by collectors for their detail and historical context.
During the 18th century, mapmaking became more scientific and precise. Improved instruments like the telescope and chronometer helped cartographers increase accuracy, shifting maps from decorative art to factual documents. Copperplate engraving stayed as the main printing method, producing fine lines, while hand-coloring added visual impact. French cartographers, such as the Cassini family, led national surveys with geodetic measurements and triangulation, while Dutch mapmakers like Joan Blaeu enhanced printing and atlas quality, ushering in a golden age of atlases.
Maps began including more information and notes to help users, and ornate decorations mostly gave way to scientific clarity, except for cartouches and borders. National and colonial ambitions guided map production to aid navigation and territorial claims. By the late 18th century, large-scale surveys set modern cartography standards. Today, 18th-century maps mix scientific knowledge with artistry, are prized by collectors, and have influenced later cartographic methods. They offer insights into Enlightenment exploration and geography.
| Dimensions | 41 × 30 cm |
|---|---|
| Orientation | |
| Publish Date | circa 1760 |
| Technique | Hand-colored engraving |
| Artist | |
| Condition | |
| Material | Antique Paper |
| Era |
Our antique prints are carefully packaged to ensure safe arrival.
Smaller prints are shipped in acid-free, flat protective packaging, while larger works are securely rolled and sent in a sturdy tube to preserve their condition.
Netherlands: €7.50 —
European Union: €15
Outside the EU: On request (contact us for an exact quote)
We offer custom framing for all prints, from classic antique frames to contemporary minimalist styles.
Choose any print from the collection
We discuss frame styles, materials & pricing
The print will be professionally framed and shipped via courier for maximum safety
If you would like your print framed, please contact us, we are happy to advise on styles and options.
Our highest classification. These prints are clean, bright, and exceptionally well-preserved, featuring a strong and crisp image. No notable imperfections.
Prints in this condition show a clean, sharp image. Paper quality or margin size may vary slightly. Minor age-related characteristics, such as small wormholes, light toning, or tiny separations may be present depending on the print date.
No major imperfections. Any minor flaws or historical repairs are fully noted in the product description. Overall a well-preserved and collectible piece.
These prints show noticeable imperfections such as foxing, weaker image strength, or longer separations, but remain collectible. All visible characteristics are clearly described.
