Belgium - Western Flanders

Rare and precious historical military and naval plan of the Ostend siege, literally titled "PLAN of the INVESTITURE of OSTEND SURRENDERED, 6 July, 1706." This refined copper-engraved plate was originally conceived by the French historian Paul de Rapin-Thoyras (1661–1725) together with the editorial continuation curated by Nicholas Tindal (1687–1774) and marvelously impressed in London by the celebrated engraver James Basire (1730–1802) around 1745 to illustrate the great British and Allied military victories on the European continent. The map describes with exceptional topographical and strategic detail the investiture and capitulation of the Flemish fortress carried out by Allied troops led by Field Marshal Hendrik van Nassau-Ouwerkerk. The work shows the imposing coastal disposition of the fleet with dozens of warships and vessels encircling the port from the North Sea, while on land the canals, surrounding swamps, regiment positions, blockhouses and the geometric network of bastioned fortifications of the city are meticulously delineated. In the upper left corner stands an elegant Baroque heraldic cartouche wrapped in banners, drums and arms, which encloses the explanatory legend to identify the key points of the assault. Printed on sturdy contemporary wove paper, this sheet represents a collectible piece of great interest to enthusiasts of eighteenth‑century military history and Flemish cartography. Dimensions 40 x 50 cm Shipped by courier

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