Contemporary hand-colored engraving by Franz Xavier Habermann, 1760
€300.00
This authentic antique print, measuring 40 cm × 26 cm , created by Franz Xavier Habermann as a fine example of Contemporary hand-colored engraving work from the 18th Century (1700s).
Published by Francois Xav. Habermann, it is preserved in Very Good condition and displays remarkable period craftsmanship.
1 in stock
This Boston King Street engraving, titled “Prospect der König Strasse gegen das Land Thor zu Boston = Vue de la Rue du Roi vers la porte de la Campagne à Boston,” is a fine 18th-century city view. The image, also known as “Vue de Boston,” was created by François Xav. Habermann. He published it in Augsburg around 1760 as part of his well-known Collection des Prospects. The print is a beautifully hand-coloured optical engraving. It was designed for viewing through a zograscope, which creates a strong sense of depth.
The engraving measures 26 × 40 cm and is in very good condition. Bright colours and strong perspective bring the busy scene of King Street in Boston to life. The view shows buildings, figures, and distant landmarks in clear detail.
Collectors of antique views and early American prints highly value this Boston King Street engraving. It captures the energy of colonial Boston and reflects the high level of craftsmanship found in 18th-century Augsburg printmaking.
Explore our entire collection of City Views, antique maps, Botanical prints and much more at our store located in the historic heart of Haarlem.
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 | 40 × 26 cm |
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| Artist | |
| Condition | |
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| Frame | No Frame |
| Orientation | |
| Technique | Contemporary hand-colored engraving |
| Published by | Francois Xav. Habermann |
| Publish Date | 1760 |
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.
