Peep Show

transportable peep show of unknown maker, wooden box with a large central lens on one side, the lens is hidden behind a wooden board when not in use, the hinged lid can be opened to change the perspective views, the lid has one big opening to direct the light onto the image and two small circular holes which serve as chimneys for the two candles which may be positioned to the both sides of the viewing lens, the candles can be accessed by two additional openings on the left and right side of the box, all openings can be closed by hinged or sliding covers, in the inside there are four slots to position the views in different distances. Together with the peepshow comes an 18^th century 43x29cm day-and-night effect perspective view depicting a street scene in Göttingen, Germany. Although the hand coloured copper print is ripped on the edges and shows some wearing it still is very detailed and of high artistic quality. The box has been newly painted which somehow derogates the all over impression of this simple, but well thought out instrument.