Today, we will conclude our look at the vue d’optique although I still have several which will not be included. We will look at another 8 images ending with three of my favourites (two are un-coloured).We begin with an image showing a view of the gardens and buildings of the Cortile del Belvedere at the Vatican Palace in Rome. The space was designed to link the Belvedere Court to the Vatican Palace via a series of terraces and stairs. Our next two views are not published by Laurie & Whittle. There were a number of publishers at the time which also held vue d’optique in there production books. Three of those were #RobertWilkinson, #RobertSayer, and #CarringtonBowles.These two prints have all three of the aforementioned publishers on them. At times appearing in different order depending on which publishing house they came from. These depict Rome at its’ beautiful best. Sites as the Trojan Arch, the Tomb of Cestus, the Imperial Palace, the Senate House, the Egyptian Obelisk, and the Temple of Fortune appear in these two views. Again all are hand coloured and show their age in one way or another. We look at another pair published by Laurie & Whittle. These show events rather than specific sites.This pair of views show events pertaining to the siege of Barcelona. The first shows men digging trenches to fortify their position as well as captured building which would then be used as barracks and hospitals. In the distance stands Barcelona. The second attempts to display the barbarity which can ensue when soldiers succumb to battle fury and becoming ravagers, looters, and plunderers.

A final three which are my favourites. The magnificent Niagara Falls. A place that certainly most who would view this print would never have seen in person. A written description in English and French appears at the bottom of the image.

We return to Rome for a view of The Church of St Peter published by Bowles & Carver. The piazza and basilica are wonderfully portrayed here. The last, a plate published by Robert Wilkinson shows the stunning Rialto Bridge in Venice as it crosses over the Grand Canal at its’ narrowest point. I appreciate that these final two have not been coloured.