Jason Clarke Antiques

Description

A large scale early nineteenth century Georgian mahogany zograscope (an optical viewer) with turned base and struts.

The zograscope (or zogroscope) was considered high technology during the late Georgian period. Using the integral double convex magnifying lens, the mirror plate was angled to reflect specially conceived prints on a flat surface that when viewed through the lens would create an illusion of depth within the picture.

The lens is in superb condition with some foxing and loss to the silvering of the mirror plate, however it does not affect the use of this authentic piece. It is a large scale version of the zograscope, a really peculiar and interesting piece of scientific apparatus.