Fortifications for French city of Orange. Mallet, Art of War, c1684
$120.00
17th century antique print of Orange proposed fortification, for L'Art de la Guerre (The Art of War). Rare copperplate engraving by Mallet, published in Paris c1684 (later colour).
Alain Manesson Mallet (1630-1706) studied mathematics and geometry at the College of Burgundy, under the military engineer, Philippe Mallet (1606-1679). During military service, first as musketeer in the guards regiment of Louis XIV; and then in Portugal under the command of Marshal Schomberg, he served as an engineer, and rose to the rank of sargento-mor (equivalent to commander) of artillery, and inspector of fortifications. At the end of the Portuguese War of Independence, Mallet returned to France, and was appointed mathematics teacher of the pages of the King in Little Stable, Versailles (reserved for the sons of the noble families that dated back to 1550 or earlier).
In 1671 Mallet's first publication was on military science and the art of siege warfare. In 1684 Mallet published his Travaux de Mars, ou l’Art de la Guerre, “on observations I’ve made on the art of war”, with engraved diagrams for the fortifications of cities and towns throughout Europe, and small scenes “to inspire young nobles to learn to draw, because in fortifications, drawing is not simply a noble propriety, but an absolute necessity”.
Page size is 175 x 125 mm (7 x 5 inches). There is a discreet extension of the page from the border of the left side (and appropriate price adjustment). This engraving has been mounted between antique white conservation ragmat board, and covered with cellophane for protection until framed. External measurement for frame window is 26 x 21cm. (Less $30 for antique print only. Please email for price adjustment.)
