Items Similar to Royal Artillery of the Enlightenment: 1770's Engraving of Mortars and Howitzers
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10
Royal Artillery of the Enlightenment: 1770's Engraving of Mortars and Howitzers
About the Item
Royal Artillery of the Enlightenment: 18th-Century Engraving of Mortars and Howitzers
Description: This extraordinary 18th-century engraving offers a detailed and visually striking representation of mortars and howitzers, originally published in the Encyclopédie, ou Dictionnaire raisonné des sciences, des arts et des métiers by Denis Diderot and Jean-Baptiste Le Rond d'Alembert. As one of the most influential works of the Enlightenment, the Encyclopédie aimed to document and disseminate knowledge across all disciplines, including military engineering and metallurgy. This engraving exemplifies the era’s scientific advancements, blending technical precision with artistic craftsmanship.
The plate meticulously illustrates a variety of mortars and howitzers, essential for siege warfare in the 18th century. On the left, intricate sectional diagrams reveal the inner workings of these artillery pieces, showcasing calculations for bore size, powder chambers, and reinforced casting techniques. These measurements ensured optimal performance, allowing engineers to refine the range, impact, and durability of these powerful weapons.
On the right, the engraving highlights the artistic grandeur of mortars cast for European monarchs. Each piece is adorned with elaborate royal crests, ornate inscriptions, and intricate decorative flourishes, signifying their importance beyond the battlefield. These mortars were often commissioned as symbols of military might, displaying the craftsmanship of master foundries that supplied Europe’s greatest armies. The names and titles inscribed on the barrels suggest direct associations with figures of power, including high-ranking nobles and military commanders.
This engraving captures the intersection of science, warfare, and artistry during the Enlightenment. As European empires expanded, artillery technology advanced significantly, and the Encyclopédie played a pivotal role in spreading this knowledge. The level of detail in this plate reflects the importance of standardized production techniques, helping to shape modern warfare through precise engineering. The study of these pieces provides valuable insight into the materials, mechanics, and strategic deployment of artillery in the 18th century.
Condition Report:
This engraving is in very good condition for its age, with light toning and minimal foxing, primarily in the margins. The lines remain sharp and well-defined, ensuring legibility of all annotations and decorative elements. The edges are largely clean, with slight roughness from the original binding. There are no major tears, stains, or discolorations that detract from the overall quality of the piece.
Framing Tips:
To best showcase this historical engraving, consider framing it with acid-free matting and UV-protective glass to preserve its fine details. A dark wood or antique gold frame will complement the engraving’s historical significance, while a minimalist black frame will emphasize its technical aspects. Pairing it with other military or scientific engravings from the Encyclopédie would create a striking display, perfect for collectors of historical weaponry, military historians, or enthusiasts of 18th-century craftsmanship.
- 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 toning and minimal foxing, primarily in the margins. The lines remain sharp and well-defined, ensuring legibility of all annotations and decorative elements. The edges are largely clean.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-13998-91stDibs: LU3054343936002
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
2,442 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 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
Rare Engravings of Cannon Manufacturing and Artillery Casting Techniques, c.1770
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Rare 18th-Century Engravings of Cannon Manufacturing and Artillery Casting Techniques
Description: This exquisite set of six 18th-century engravings showcases the intricate p...
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
Antique Engraving of Shepherds and Cattle, c.1770
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'L'Abreuvoir Champêtre (..)'. View of shepherds with cattle at a brook in a mountain landscape.
Artists and Engravers: Engraved by P. Martenasi after N. Berch...
Category
Antique 18th Century Prints
Materials
Paper
$305 Sale Price
20% Off
The Chimpanzee from Angola: Enlightenment Era Natural History Engraving, 1738
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: The Chimpanzee from Angola: A Catalogue of Enlightenment Era Natural History Engravings
Description: This finely detailed 18th-century engraving depicts a young chimpanzee st...
Category
Antique 1730s Prints
Materials
Paper
Hand-Colored Engraving of the American Pelican by Seligman, c.1770
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Der Amerikanische Pelican - Hand-Colored Engraving of the American Pelican by Johann Michael Seligmann, 18th Century
This beautiful hand-colored engraving, titled 'Der Amerik...
Category
Antique 1770s Prints
Materials
Paper
$638 Sale Price
20% Off
You May Also Like
Sarah Porter, "Queen of the Touters at Tunbridge Wells" Engraving, circa 1770
Located in Lowestoft, GB
After Vander Smissen 'Mrs Sarah Porter, Queen of the Touters at Tunbridge Wells', a mezzotint, engraved by William Pether circa 1770, glazed in ebonised, ...
Category
Antique Late 18th Century English Prints
Materials
Glass, Pine, Paper
Francois Nicholas Martinet Bird Engraving, circa 1770
By François Nicolas Martinet
Located in Downingtown, PA
Francois Nicholas Martinet bird engraving,
circa 1770.
The framed Francois Martinet engraving is from Buffon's Historie Naturelle des Oiseaux displa...
Category
Antique 1770s French Georgian Prints
Materials
Paper
A.A De Correggio Engraving of the Virgin and the Child
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Beautiful engraving representing "The Virgin and Child with Saints Jerome and Maire-Madeliane", after an oil on canvas by Antonio Allegri of Correggio (1489-1534), master of the renaissance, engraved by Robert Strange...
Category
Antique Late 18th Century English Prints
Materials
Paper
Set of Six Framed Hand Colored Engravings of Swedish Royal Residences
Located in Essex, MA
By Johannes Van den Aveelen and engraved by Holmice. Six views of Swedish royal residences. Hand colored engravings.
Framed and matted.
Category
Antique Early 1700s Dutch Baroque Prints
Materials
Paper
The First of September "Morning" Engraving, 1799
Located in Carmel, CA
Mezzotint engraving, 1799, The First of September, after painting by George Moreland. Moreland was a noted London landscape and genre painter. By the...
Category
Antique 1790s English Georgian Prints
Materials
Paper
German copperplate engraving of the nativity, 1600's
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Copperplate engraving of the nativity printed on hand laid paper. The piece has an incredible level of fine detail for the diminutive size of the work.
...
Category
Antique 17th Century German Prints
Materials
Paper
