Zograscope Genus (1740 - 1871)

Figure ZG.1 – Zograscope in Use
Photo © Ana David Mendes.

A Zograscope is a biconvex lens viewer for enhancing the 3D-effect of copper-plate engravings known as vues d'optique.

 

Zograscopes are distinguished from other diagonal-mirror viewers in the Optical Machine Taxonomy by the fact that they have no enclosing box or image-holder and so rely on a surface such as a table to support the image.

 

The zograscope has been known by various names including optical diagonal machine (1750-1810) optical diagonal mirror (1871)^[xxx] and optical pillar machine (1829)^[xxx]. "Zograscope" is the oldest and most enduring. Unlike so many terms for optical machines, it is exclusive to this device. It derives from the term "zographie" used by astronomer and mathematician John Dee in 1570 to describe the "Mechanicall" rules and techniques for drawing in perspective. A zograscope then would be a machine for viewing perspective to the best advantage.

 

This style of viewer was the most common for private use in well-to-do households (Figure ZG.1). It had more prestige than the itinerant show-boxes or raree shows, but were paradoxically thought to give an inferior effect. For more about the zograscope and its uses and meanings, click here: (RB-01)

 

Each row in the following table represents a different species:

 

Turned Pillar - Single:
	RB-01	EXBD-69024

This species has the standard design and styling. They are mostly of hardwood construction including the thumbscrew for securing the vertical pillar. The base and column are hand-turned. The lens frame is composed of turned elements terminating in square blocks at joints, crowned by two finials.

 

There are many minor variations in turned profiles and the particulars of hardware. They were undoubtedly produced to a standard but by many different manufacturers over a long span of time.

Flat-Folding Zograscope:
	EXEBD-69025

The lens and mirror-frames are cleverly designed to fold into one another for a flatter profile.

Turned Pillar - Double:
	RB-02

Zograscope-viewing was often a collective activity as Figure ZG.1 illustrates. This model would allow two to view side-by-side.

Dutch Face:
	WN-GTTY_29-93-R-118

Uniquely Dutch styling: the lens-mount is a solid piece of wood cut to a shape reminiscent of the rarekiek. It is in the Werner Nekes Collection of the Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles.

Wide-Angle Zograscope:
	WN-224

Suspended:
	RB-25-07

Endnotes: