Belgium - Brussels (Brabant); Georges-Louis Le Rouge...

Splendid and spectacular eighteenth-century military and topographic map of the Brussels siege, literally titled "PLAN des ATTAQUES de BRUXELLES en 1746." This magnificent copper-engraved print on copper was conceived by the renowned royal geographer Georges-Louis Le Rouge (1712–1790) and etched by the well-known engraver Desains — whose signature "Desains sc. Par." is clearly legible in the lower right corner — to be inserted in 1746 within the military work Théâtre de la dernière guerre en Flandres. The work adopts the characteristic and exquisite baroque trompe-l'œil scenographic effect in which a section of the imposing external city fortifications appears drawn on a large tattered parchment rolled at the sides, which overlies the main map. The cartography describes with extraordinary geometric detail the trench lines, the French assault approaches dug during the War of the Austrian Succession, the water channels of the Senne River, the Gate of Schaerbeek, and the towering "Fort de Marterey" (Monteray). In the lower left corner stands a magnificent cartouche inserted between rocky outcrops and woodland foliage that encloses the official title. At the top right is the original typographic reference "Pl. 11." Printed on sturdy contemporary laid paper, the specimen is enhanced by a refined period watercolour wash that lights the isolated cityscapes in pink and gray, giving the sheet exceptional aesthetic and decorative strength. An elite piece of great historical importance, ideal for collectors of Benelux cartography. Dimensions 23 x 35 cm Will be shipped by courier

Estimation:€200

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