Belgium - Menen / Ypres (Gheluvelt); Georges-Louis Le...

Rare and interesting 18th-century military and topographic map of the siege of Ghêlin, literally titled "PLAN des ATTAQUES des GHELIN en 1744." This beautiful copper-engraved print was conceived in Paris by the famous royal geographer Georges-Louis Le Rouge (1712–1790) and finely engraved by the renowned engraver Jean Lattré (1705–1791) — whose signature "Lattré Sculp. Paris" is clearly legible in the lower right corner — to be included in 1744 within the military work Théâtre de la dernière guerre en Flandres. The map describes with meticulous geometric and strategic detail the star fortifications and the assault trenches dug during the War of the Austrian Succession. The composition shows the glacis bordered by a large artificial body of water ("Etang") and surrounded by the French assault lines, with indications of the small forts and outer redoubts (such as the "Redoute de Boufflers"). What makes this plate exceptionally dramatic and unique is the original cartouche placed at the bottom center: the title is not enclosed in a Baroque frame, but is engraved directly on the ribbons and on the shield supported by a large full-length figure of a soldier or pioneer in period uniform, standing while holding a spade. In the upper right is the typographic reference "Pl. 14." Printed on sturdy contemporaneous laid paper, this sheet is a highly charming collector’s item, ideal for enthusiasts of Baroque fortifications and the History of Flanders. Dimensions 23 x 34 cm Will be shipped by courier

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