Architect, Plan, Model, Architectural Instruments. Mallet Art-of-War Pl.72 c1683  E-mail this product to a friend

Wonderful early copperplate engraving of an architect in period dress, at a table in front of a European chateau, with his model of a proposed structure for fortifications, and mathematical instruments for architectural plan-drawing.
Allain Manesson Mallet was a master of mathematics, Military Engineer, and Geographer to King Louis XIV. He published what was considered the first "modern" book of geography, and the Art of War of the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
Published in Paris in circa 1683-4 for "The Art of War", this engraving was a design for building fortifications to repel would-be attackers. Mallet's work included some of the best miniature architectural engravings of the period. As this work was mainly about fortifications, some show battle structures for troops, regional dress of the armies, and actual battle action.
This wonderful series is quite distinctive, and an uncommon subject matter.
Size of page: 21 x 14cm (8.1/4" x 10.1/2").