Netherlands - Limburg

Rare and spectacular 18th-century military and topographic map of the siege of Maastricht, literally titled "PLAN des ATTAQUES DE MAESTRICHT en 1748." This exceptional copperplate engraving was made in Paris by the famous geographer and royal military engineer of the king Georges-Louis Le Rouge (1712–1790) and published in 1748 within his renowned war collection titled Théâtre de la dernière guerre en Flandres, aimed at documenting the major French military campaigns during the War of the Austrian Succession. The cartographic composition adopts the spectacular trompe-l'œil scenic effect typical of Le Rouge's style: the detailed plan of the fortified city of Maastricht, laid along the Meuse and surrounded by its complex defensive bastions, appears drawn on a large rolled parchment at the sides that floats at the center of the sheet. Beneath this central element unfolds the general map of the surrounding territory (including the village of Wick and the Sint-Pieter hill) and the detailed sub-plans of the individual forts and the French trench lines. The lower-left corner houses a superb Baroque cartouche featuring military trophies, cannons, flags, and the figure of a soldier in period uniform holding the title shield. At the upper right is the editorial indication of the plate "Pl. 24." Printed on sturdy, period-laid paper, this sheet represents an extraordinary document of historical and collecting value, ideal for enthusiasts of military engineering and Dutch history. Dimensions 22 x 31 cm Will be shipped by courier

Estimate:$2.25

View all items fromCatawikiorBooks, Maps & Manuscripts