Large Claude Lorraine Glass

American, James W. Queen, 6¼ x 7½" Claude Lorraine glass in black leather-covered wood case with retailer's printed label on the bottom "Sold by James W. Queen & Co., Opticians, No.924 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia." An usually large Lorraine glass. Like the camera obscura and the camera lucida, the Claude Lorraine glass is another "pre-photographic" device that was designed to help artists visualize their artwork. In this case a reflection of the view is seen in the black glass which mutes the colours. Ex Spira Collection.