Antique Valletta Malta City View Copperplate Print Hand colored c. 1780s Paris For Sale

Antique, original late 18th century, circa 1780 handcolored copper plate print city view or optical view of the fortified harbor of Valetta on the Isle of Malta in overall good to very good condition. Leaf has tatter at some of the outer margins and on the reverse side there are also two vague, marginal tape repairs. Piece has some toning and there is a bit of soiling here and there, most notably in the sky. Visible from the reverse side is also a very tiny pinhole or “fleabite” size hole that is not apparent from the front. There is a backboard with a few small pieces of the margins affixed to it, the print is completely loose from the backboard, and the backboard is included with the listing though it has a slight crack but is still stable. Finally, the leaf is somewhat brittle as it is about two and a half centuries old and the paper is thin, so it should be handled with care. Entire leaf measures about 16 1/2 x 10 5/16 inches.
(Seller shelf code: A027)