An optical experiment using a giant lens to reflect sun-rays to create fire - with various optical instruments scattered and fountains in a Baroque setting. Line engraving by C.N. Cochin after J. de La Jouë.

Paris (Rue du Roy, Piliers d'Or) : François Chereau, graveur du Roy, [1737]

1 print : line engraving

L'Optique. Tiré du cabinet de Monsigneur le Duc de Picquigny. Gravé par C.N. Cochin. Inventé et peint par J. La Jouë.

Wellcome Collection 15959i

After one of thirteen paintings commissioned from La Jouë for the cabinet of Michel Ferdinand d'Albert d'Ailly, duc de Picquigny (from 1744 duc de Chaulnes) (1714-1769), member of the Académie des Sciences and collector of experimental instruments. Only two of the paintings survive, Optics (the present composition, in reverse to the print) and Astronomy; they were offered for sale as part of the Karl Lagerfeld Collection, Christie's, New York, 23 May 2000, lot 45, and later at Sotheby's, Paris, 19 June 2006, lot 47