Unlike the vast number of entertainment options available to the 21st-century consumer, those in the early 18th century looked to paper peep-shows for leisure entertainment. A peep-show can also be thought of as a set for a miniature theatre; a series of backdrops. German artist and publisher Martin Engelbrecht (1684-1756) is credited with the creation...

Today’s fascination with alternate and virtual realities can sometimes feel entirely contemporary, firmly grounded in the technological innovations of the digital age. However, the desire for devices that alter our perception has a long—and dazzling—history. A “peep-show” is a visual tool that captivates viewers by creating an impression of highly illusionistic space. Utilizing a clever...