Print depicting group of children with a peep box

A print from a copper engraving, 'La Curiosite' after Richard Brakenburgh (1650-1702), depicting a group of children queuing to look into the showman's peep box, unknown date.

The Peepshow box is an example of an itinerant optical entertainment which used optical illusion and showmanship to enthral audiences. Particularly popular during the 17th and 18th centuries, exhibitions of pictures or objects would be viewed through a small hole or magnifying glass. They were often exhibited on streets and at fairs across europe by travelling showmen.

Richard Brakenburgh or Brakenburg (1650- 1702), was a Dutch painter.