Hand-colored engraving by Jean-François Daumont, 1770
€250.00
This authentic antique print, measuring 42 cm × 29.5 cm , created by Jean-François Daumont 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 Paris Pont au Change Engraving titled ‘Pons Argentariorum Parisiis Vue d’Optique Representant Le Pont au Change à Paris’ is a lovely 18th‑century city view. Published in Paris around 1770, the handcoloured print shows the bridge over the Seine linking the first and fourth arrondissements. The artist designed it as a Vue d’Optique, meant for viewing through a zograscope to enhance its perspective and depth.
The plate measures 29.5 x 42 cm and is in very good condition. Bright colouring and clear lines reveal fine craftsmanship. The architectural detail, lively figures, and calm water create a vivid impression of Parisian life in the 18th century.
This Paris Pont au Change Engraving is ideal for collectors of French city scenes and antique optical prints. It combines historic appeal, strong composition, and the elegance of classic Parisian engraving.
Jean-François Daumont (active 1740–1775) was a French publisher and print seller based in Paris. He specialized in vue d’optique prints—engravings designed for optical viewing devices. Daumont produced detailed city views, landmarks, and architectural scenes across Europe. His works feature exaggerated perspective for 3D effects when viewed through lenses. Collectors value his colorful prints for their artistic quality and 18th-century historical insight.
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 | 42 × 29.5 cm |
|---|---|
| Artist | |
| Condition | |
| Era | |
| Frame | No Frame |
| Orientation | |
| Technique | Hand-colored engraving |
| Publish Date | 1770 |
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.
