A wonderfully, metal, decorative antique monocle or magnifying glass that easily opens to become a Lorgnette.

A wonderfully, metal, decorative antique monocle or magnifying glass that easily opens to become a Lorgnette.

France 1920s.

Works great.

Size 12.5 cm

Following the introduction and popularisation of the lorgnette, women became more involved with the use of optical aids. The lorgnette enabled women to view their surroundings clearly, but it was also used for social and decorative purposes. A large portion of the social life of European ladies involved the observation of the people around them, especially the attendance of others at events such as opera or theatre. The lorgnette was part of the elegant games of high society. The use of lorgnettes allowed women of high society to easily scrutinise objects of interest without directly facing their subject.