Items Similar to 18th-Century Engraving of Mortar and Howitzer Design from Diderot's Encyclopédie
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10
18th-Century Engraving of Mortar and Howitzer Design from Diderot's Encyclopédie
About the Item
Title: 18th-Century Engraving of Mortar and Howitzer Design from Diderot's Encyclopédie
Description: This original 18th-century engraving is a highly detailed technical illustration of mortar and howitzer designs, produced for the monumental Encyclopédie, ou Dictionnaire raisonné des sciences, des arts et des métiers by Denis Diderot and Jean-Baptiste Le Rond d'Alembert. The Encyclopédie was one of the most ambitious publishing projects of the Enlightenment, aimed at documenting and disseminating knowledge across a vast range of scientific and artistic disciplines, including military engineering and artillery manufacturing.
The engraving meticulously depicts various mortars and howitzers, presenting precise cross-sections, dimensional schematics, and external decorations. The upper section of the plate features different mortar designs, including a side elevation and sectional cut revealing the interior structure, bore diameter, and reinforcement thickness. These elements were crucial for understanding the effectiveness of mortars in siege warfare, as these weapons were designed to lob explosive shells at high trajectories over fortifications. The lower section showcases additional mortars with detailed measurements, annotations, and ornamental embellishments, such as elaborate royal insignias and decorative cartouches, which indicate the prestigious craftsmanship involved in casting artillery pieces for European monarchies.
The attention to detail in this engraving highlights the scientific precision of 18th-century foundry techniques. The dimensions, weight distribution, and internal mechanics of the artillery pieces are clearly outlined, demonstrating the advancements in metallurgy and ballistics of the time. Mortars and howitzers were essential in military campaigns, particularly for breaking fortifications and creating breaches in defensive walls. The inclusion of decorative elements, such as coats of arms and inscriptions, suggests that some of these pieces were specially commissioned for royal or high-ranking military use.
The engraving also serves as a historical document showcasing the intersection of science, technology, and warfare. During the 18th century, European nations invested heavily in the development of artillery, and technical manuals like the *Encyclopédie* played a key role in standardizing knowledge and improving production methods. The precise mathematical and geometrical calculations inscribed on the plate illustrate the growing influence of scientific principles in military engineering.
Condition Report:
This engraving is in very good condition, with only minor signs of age-related wear. The paper is well-preserved, with light toning and some faint foxing near the edges, consistent with its age. The impression remains strong and well-defined, with fine lines and shading techniques clearly visible. The margins are intact, allowing for easy framing. There are no tears, major stains, or significant creases affecting the image.
Framing Tips:
To enhance the presentation and longevity of this engraving, it is recommended to use acid-free matting and UV-resistant glass to prevent light damage. A classic black or dark wood frame will complement the engraving's historical and technical nature, drawing attention to its intricate details. Mounting it alongside other engravings from the *Encyclopédie* would create an impressive display of Enlightenment-era scientific and artistic knowledge. This engraving is an excellent addition to any collection focused on military history, engineering, or 18th-century technology.
- Dimensions:Height: 15.67 in (39.8 cm)Width: 10.24 in (26 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:Paper,Engraved
- Period:1770-1779
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1770
- Condition:This engraving is in very good condition, with only minor signs of age-related wear. The paper is well-preserved, with light toning and some faint foxing near the edges, consistent with its age. The impression remains strong and well-defined.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-13998-101stDibs: LU3054343935842
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2017
2,428 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Langweer, Netherlands
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View All18th Century Cannon Foundry Engraving from Diderot’s Encyclopédie, circa 1770
Located in Langweer, NL
18th Century Cannon Foundry Engraving from Diderot’s Encyclopédie, circa 1770
This fine 18th-century engraving, titled Fonte des Canons, origin...
Category
Antique 1770s Prints
Materials
Paper
Set of 1770s Cannon Foundry Engravings from Diderot’s Encyclopédie, France
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Set of 1770s Cannon Foundry Engravings from Diderot’s Encyclopédie, France
Description: This set of eighteenth-century engravings, titled Fonte des Canons, originates from ...
Category
Antique 1770s Prints
Materials
Paper
$264 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Antique 18th Century Engraving of Cannon Designs and Cross-Sections from Diderot
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Antique 18th Century Engraving of Cannon Designs and Cross-Sections from Diderot
Description: This original 18th-century engraving presents highly detailed technical illustra...
Category
Antique 1770s Prints
Materials
Paper
$264 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Royal Artillery of the Enlightenment: 1770's Engraving of Mortars and Howitzers
Located in Langweer, NL
Royal Artillery of the Enlightenment: 18th-Century Engraving of Mortars and Howitzers
Description: This extraordinary 18th-century engraving offers a detailed and visually strikin...
Category
Antique 1770s Prints
Materials
Paper
18th Century Ethnological Engravings of Peruvians and Ecuadorians
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: 18th Century Ethnological Engravings of Peruvians and Ecuadorians
Description: These two 18th-century engravings, printed in 1756, are detailed depictions of the social and cultural life in Peru and Ecuador during the colonial era. Created by Quentin-Pierre Chedel (1705–1762), they are part of *Histoire générale des voyages* by Antoine François Prévost, a monumental collection that documented the world's exploration and cultural encounters.
First Engraving (Residents of Peru):
This print illustrates the residents of Lima, Peru, highlighting the various social classes and ethnic groups present in the region during the colonial period. The detailed engraving captures:
A. Femme de Lima en Habit de Ville – A woman from Lima in formal city dress, representing the elite of society.
B. Femme en Habit de Ménage – A woman in household dress, typical of a middle or upper-class domestic attire.
C. Espagnol vêtu comme on l’est au Pérou – A Spanish man dressed as one would in Peru, showing the influence of Spanish colonial fashion on local attire.
D. Mulatresse – A woman of mixed African and European descent, reflecting the diverse ethnic makeup of colonial Peru.
E. Nègre Domestique – A domestic servant of African descent, showcasing the role of enslaved individuals in colonial households.
The scene is set in a lush, natural landscape, with attention to the differences in social standing and attire.
Second Engraving (Residents of Quito, Ecuador):
The second engraving, although similar in style, depicts residents of Quito, Ecuador, and provides an ethnological view of the city’s diverse inhabitants. The composition shows:
1. Espagnole de Quito – A Spanish woman of high status, dressed elegantly, representing the colonial upper class in Quito.
2. Indienne de Distinction – An Indigenous woman of notable status, likely representing the local nobility or important community figures.
3. Barbier Indien – An Indigenous barber, reflecting the occupational diversity and social roles of the Indigenous population in colonial society.
4. Métive de Quito – A Métis woman from Quito, showing the mixed-race population that emerged during the colonial era.
5. Paysan Indien – An Indigenous farmer, indicating the essential role of agriculture and rural labor in the economy of colonial Ecuador.
6. Indienne du Commun – A common Indigenous woman, dressed in traditional attire, representing the majority of the Indigenous population.
Like the first engraving, this print captures the varied ethnic and social dynamics in a colonial society, with figures placed in a landscape setting, emphasizing the connection between people and their environment.
These engravings are not only artistic representations but also important historical records of colonial Latin America...
Category
Antique Mid-18th Century Prints
Materials
Paper
Hand-Colored 18th-Century Engraving of Exotic Quadrupeds from Natural History
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: 1805 Hand-Colored Engraving of Exotic Quadrupeds from F.J. Bertuch's Work
Description: This hand-colored engraving, created in 1805, originates from Friedrich Justin Bertuc...
Category
Antique Early 1800s Prints
Materials
Paper
You May Also Like
Pair of 18th Century Engravings of Horses
Located in Downingtown, PA
Each print is mounted in a cherrywood parcel-gilt frame, with a glazed reverse depicting the corresponding text sheet.
L'Andaloux, Le Cheval d'Espagne, Plate I;
Le Barbe, Le Che...
Category
Antique Mid-18th Century French Georgian Prints
Materials
Paper
$3,750 / set
18th Century Pair of English Engravings
Located in Dallas, TX
Superb pair of 18th century English engravings.
Category
Antique 18th Century English Decorative Art
$2,035 / set
18th Century Framed Engraving of Scene from Shakespeares "King Henry VI"
Located in Nashville, TN
Wonderfully executed collaborative engraving from the end of the 18th century. Artists Jean Baptiste Michel (Paris) & Willim Leney (London) printed by "W.H. Miller" muted color palet...
Category
Antique Late 18th Century English George III Prints
Materials
Paper
$409 Sale Price
83% Off
Set of Twelve 18th Century Zoological Engravings
Located in Shipston-On-Stour, GB
A rare 18th Century set of 12 handcoloured copperplate engravings of Zoological studies, featuring primates of varying species. Each colourfully executed with a naive charm, and Lati...
Category
Antique 1770s German Other Prints
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paint, Paper
Framed Set of 18th Century Classical Engravings
Located in Pembroke, MA
Two French matted and framed 18th century black and white engravings inspired by Classical Antiquity. The first frame contains an engraving of a woman patting a unicorn, and a man an...
Category
Antique 18th Century French Classical Greek Prints
Materials
Giltwood, Paper
$3,500 Sale Price / set
20% Off
18th Century Framed Fashion Engraving
Located in Vista, CA
18th century framed fashion engraving.
Category
Antique Mid-18th Century European Prints
Materials
Paper