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Optical Toy, Les Anamorphoses (Anamorphosis), Puss in Boots
This is a Optical toy. It was designed by Walter Frères and published by Jullien. It is dated ca. 1865 and we acquired it in 1958. Its medium is hand-colored lithograph on paper. It is a part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design department.
This distorted image of Puss in Boots is an example of anamorphosis. To see the image in its correct proportions, the viewer would place a cylindrical mirror on the pink circle printed on the card. Viewed in the mirror, the cat regains his natural proportions. Mirror anamorphosis appeared as early as the 16th century. In addition to providing amusement, it was also used to conceal secret or illegal content from the discovery of lawmakers.
It is credited Museum purchase through gift of Norvin Hewitt Green.
Its dimensions are
16.4 × 20.1 cm (6 7/16 × 7 15/16 in.)
Cite this object as
Optical Toy, Les Anamorphoses (Anamorphosis), Puss in Boots; Designed by Walter Frères; Published by Jullien; hand-colored lithograph on paper; 16.4 × 20.1 cm (6 7/16 × 7 15/16 in.); Museum purchase through gift of Norvin Hewitt Green; 1958-85-1-7