Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10

Eighteenth-Century Engraving of a Cannon-Boring Machine from Fonte des Canons

$314.41
$393.0120% Off
£234.12
£292.6520% Off
€264
€33020% Off
CA$430.68
CA$538.3520% Off
A$480.25
A$600.3220% Off
CHF 250.58
CHF 313.2220% Off
MX$5,892.91
MX$7,366.1320% Off
NOK 3,189.44
NOK 3,986.8020% Off
SEK 3,021.92
SEK 3,777.4020% Off
DKK 2,009.74
DKK 2,512.1720% Off
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

Eighteenth-Century Engraving of a Cannon-Boring Machine from Fonte des Canons Description: This highly detailed eighteenth-century engraving illustrates a cannon-boring machine used in the production of artillery. It originates from Fonte des Canons, an important work documenting the casting, forging, and finishing of cannons during the early modern period. The print meticulously depicts the elevation of the boring apparatus, showing the mechanical structure, gears, pulleys, and support framework essential for refining the interior of cast cannons. The engraving is a remarkable example of precision engineering during the Age of Enlightenment, a period characterized by significant advancements in metallurgy, artillery production, and mechanical innovation. The cannon-boring process, crucial for ensuring the accuracy and durability of firearms, involved removing excess metal from the inner surface of cast cannons to achieve a smooth, uniform bore. This development greatly improved the effectiveness of artillery in both military and naval applications. The level of craftsmanship in this engraving is extraordinary. Fine lines, cross-hatching, and shading techniques create depth and clarity, highlighting the complexity of the machinery. The technical accuracy suggests that the plate was produced by an expert engraver, possibly working for a scientific or military publication. Such prints were often commissioned by governments, academies, and artillery officers to document and disseminate knowledge about cannon manufacturing processes. This print serves as both an artistic and technical document, reflecting the fusion of art and science in the eighteenth century. It provides valuable insight into historical artillery-making techniques, offering collectors, historians, and enthusiasts a rare glimpse into the technological advancements of the time. Condition Report: This engraving is in good condition for its age, with light foxing and minor discoloration typical of eighteenth-century prints. The paper has aged naturally, retaining its original strength and structure. The impression remains sharp, with fine details clearly visible. The margins are well-preserved, though some minor edge wear is present. A central fold is evident, likely from its original placement in a bound volume. No significant tears or losses are apparent. Overall, it presents well and is suitable for display. Framing Tips: To best showcase this historic engraving, consider using archival-quality materials for conservation. A neutral or antique-style mat will complement the print while protecting it from direct contact with glass. A classic black or gilded wooden frame will enhance the historical nature of the engraving without distracting from the intricate details. UV-protective glass or acrylic is recommended to prevent fading and further discoloration. If desired, an engraved plaque with the title and date of the print can be added for an elegant and informative touch.
  • 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:
    Good condition for its age, with light foxing and minor discoloration typical of eighteenth-century prints. The paper has aged naturally, retaining its original strength and structure. The impression remains sharp, with fine details clearly visible.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-13998-171stDibs: LU3054343952452

More From This Seller

View All
18th 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

18th-Century Artillery Engraving of the Spanish Captain's Carriage and Mechanism
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: 18th-Century Artillery Engraving of the Spanish Captain's Carriage and Mechanisms Description: This highly detailed 18th-century engraving presents a meticulously rendered...
Category

Antique 1770s Prints

Materials

Paper

18th-Century Engraving of Mortar and Howitzer Design from Diderot's Encyclopédie
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: 18th-Century Engraving of Mortar and Howitzer Design from Diderot's Encyclopédie Description: This original 18th-century engraving is a highly detailed technical illustrati...
Category

Antique 1770s Prints

Materials

Paper

Original Antique Print of a Machine for Boring Pipes, ca.1760
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'A machine for boring Pipes'. Print of a machine for boring pipes. This print originates from 'The Universal Magazine of Kn...
Category

Antique 1760s Prints

Materials

Paper

Pl. 5 Antique Print of the Hydraulic Machine of the Kew Gardens by Le Rouge, c.1
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Machine Hydraulique dans les Jardins de Kew (..)'. Copper engraving showing the hydraulic system of the Kew gardens and the cave of Chiswick. This print origina...
Category

Antique 18th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Print of a New Water Exhausting Machine, 1758
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'A New Machine for exhausting a large quantity of water'. Print of a new water exhausting machine. This print originates from 'The Universal Magazine...
Category

Antique 1750s Prints

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

Engraving Print from the Panckoucke Encyclopédie Nautical Subject 1782-1832
Located in Milan, IT
Print by engraving on copper plate from the Panckoucke Encyclopédie méthodique, end of the 18th century,volume Marine Planches (more than 1,500 figures dealing with all subjects on the marina: planes, construction, carpentry, tree trunks, armaments of maneuvers, ropes, sails, artillery, ship maneuvers and combat tactics). This is the plate no. n. 24, pag. 69 fig. 341 ; with frame cm 38.3 x 31.5. Ship ropes are depicted. The Print has the "Benard direxit...
Category

Antique 1790s French Nautical Objects

Materials

Paper

Maniere De Construire Les Bazes, Roubo French cabinetmaking design engraving
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
'Maniere de Construire Les Bazes, Les Chapiteaux et Les Entablements en Bois' French copper-line engraving by Berthault after Andre Jacob Roubo (1739–1791). 18th century laid waterm...
Category

Late 18th Century French School Interior Prints

Materials

Engraving

Maniere de Construire Les Colonnes, Roubo French cabinetmaking design engraving
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
'Maniere de Construire Les Colonnes en Bois' French copper-line engraving by Michelinot after Andre Jacob Roubo (1739–1791). 18th century laid watermarked paper. From Roubo's 'L'Ar...
Category

Late 18th Century French School Interior Prints

Materials

Engraving

Engraving Print from the Panckoucke Encyclopédie Nautical Subject, 1782-1832
Located in Milan, IT
Print by engraving on copper plate from the Panckoucke Encyclopédie méthodique, end of the 18th century, volume Marine Planches (more than 1,500 figures dealing with all subjects on the marina: planes, construction, carpentry, tree trunks, armaments of maneuvers, ropes, sails, artillery, ship maneuvers and combat tactics). This is the plate no. n. 26, pag. 70 fig. 350-353; with frame cm 38.3 x 31.5. Ship ropes are depicted. The Print has the "Benard direxit...
Category

Antique 1790s French Nautical Objects

Materials

Paper

Maniere de Coller Les Bois Droits, Roubo French cabinetmaking design engraving
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
'Maniere de Coller Les Bois Droit et Les Paneaux Cintree en Plan' French copper-line engraving by Michelinot after Andre Jacob Roubo (1739–1791). 18th century laid watermarked paper...
Category

Late 18th Century French School Interior Prints

Materials

Engraving

Plan, Coupe, et Elevation d'une Stalle, Roubo French cabinetmaking engraving
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
'Plan, Coupe, et Elevation d'une Stalle' French copper-line engraving by Milson after Andre Jacob Roubo (1739–1791). 18th century laid watermarked paper. From Roubo's 'L'Art du Men...
Category

Late 18th Century French School Interior Prints

Materials

Engraving