10 18th Century Military Engravings From The Diderot Encyclopdie

Set of 10 Antique French Military Engravings and 4 description pages (14 total) on laid paper from "Recueil De Planches, Sur Les Sciences, Les Arts libéraux, et les arts méchaniques : avec leur explication" or known as The Diderot Encyclopdie. This rare and exceptional set of plates dates back to the 1700s and offers a unique glimpse into the military strategies of the era.

The monumental Encyclopédie, ou Dictionnaire Raisonné des Sciences, des Arts, et des Métiers, edited by Denis Diderot and Jean Le Rond d’Alembert, was the first methodical endeavor to determine and present the entire scope of human knowledge. Published in Paris between 1751 and 1780, the thirty-five-volume work epitomizes the Age of Enlightenment as its contributors—known as the encyclopédistes—aimed to understand the world through reason, intellectual exchange and the scientific method.

The Age of the Enlightenment was also an era of nearly constant war in Europe and North America. The Encyclopédie reflects the growing significance of the art of war in an evolving eighteenth-century military. Military officers relied on and frequently referred to works such as the Encyclopedie to provide practical education on the theory and practice of war. The text volumes provide nearly 1,250 articles on military subjects relating to the history of warfare, the manufacture of arms, fortification and siege warfare, artillery, and tactics, strategy and handling armies in the field

These plates are in good condition for their age, with some signs of wear and tear consistent with their age. There may be some minor creases or foxing, but overall they are in remarkable shape for their age.

Size of engraving plate approximately 13'x8.5"

- Title: Blank / Art Militaire, Evolutions pl. iv
- Author: Diderot, Denis, 1713-1784
- Contributors: Alembert, Jean Le Rond d', 1717-1783 Bénard, Robert, 1734-
- Date: 1762
- Description: Military Art, Evolutions
- Subject: soldiers diagram, military exercises, troop movements, ranks
- Type: copper engraving

Notes: These plates are in good condition for their age, with some signs of wear and tear consistent with their age. There may be some minor creases or foxing, but overall they are in remarkable shape for their age.

10 inches" x 15-1/2 inches"

Fine Art, Works on Paper

19%

Andrew Trovato | (617) 417-1130 | invintage.colour@gmail.com

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