View of the town hall of Batavia, Indonesia. This is an optical print, also called ‘vue optique’ or ‘vue d’optique’, which were made to be viewed through a Zograscope, or other devices of convex lens and mirrors, all of which produced an optical illusion of depth.

Artists and Engravers: Francois Xavier Habermann (1721-1796), German engraver. Published at: Negoce comun de l’Academie Imperiale d’Empire des Arts libereaux.

Entitled: Prospect des Rathhausses in Batavia wie dasselbige auf dem groszen Plaz nebst der umliegende Gegend von fornen anzusehen

The iconic Stadhuis of Batavia which served as the city hall for Batavia from 1627 until 1913. The current structure was completely renovated in 1707. In its history, the building was also used as a governor’s office and military command centre until it was declared a cultural heritage site in 1970, becoming the Jakarta History Museum. The exterior remains as is shown in the lithograph and most of the original flooring, staircases, and large furniture of the interior have been maintained by the museum.

(The image shown of this print is created from separate scans joined together, and might be joined imperfectly at some parts. We are happy to send you photographs if the complete sheet)