The Art of War with Turkish Cavalry. Mallet engraving c1684.

by Mallet, Alain Manesson

L'Art de la Guerre, Ottoman Cavalry. 17thC antique print. Rare original 17th century copperplate engraving by A.M. Mallet published in Paris c.1684 (later colour).

Mallet's first publication, in 1671, was on military science and the art of siege warfare. In 1684 Mallet published his updated work Travaux de Mars, ou l’Art de la Guerre, and provided engraved diagrams for the fortifications of cities and towns throughout Europe, including small scenes “to inspire young nobles to learn to draw, because in fortifications, drawing is not simply a noble propriety, but an absolute necessity”.

Alain Manesson Mallet (1630-1706), studied mathematics and geometry at the College of Burgundy, under the military engineer, Philippe Mallet (1606-1679). After military service as a musketeer in the guards regiment of Louis XIV he became a military engineer. Mallet went to Portugal, and under the command of Marshal Schomberg, rose to the rank of sargento-mor (equivalent to commander) of artillery, and inspector of fortifications. At the end of the Portuguese War of Independence, Mallet returned to France, and was appointed mathematics teacher of the pages of the King in Little Stable, Versailles - where he had time to write.

Size of page: 21 x 14 cm (8.25 x 10.25 inches).