[Tassin, Nicholas]

Hand Colored 1636 Print, Map of St Iean de lauen [St Jean delaune], from 'Les plans et profils de toutes les principales villes et lieux considerables de France'

. [Tavernier], 1636. Print. Near Fine. Item #1665297

Matted and ready for framing. Untrimmed. An exceptional example of a scarce print.

A 7 x 9 3/4 sheet professionally matted down to 4 3/4 x 6 3/4 (mat measures 8 1/2 x 10 5/8). Beautiful modern hand coloring added. Labeled 20 in the upper right-hand corner. The print shows a fortification positioned on the north side of a natural waterway, with a small fortification on the opposite side as well. A bridge links the main fortification to the opposite shore, and there appears to be an area for entry by boat along the south wall. This fortress is unique in being completely surrounded by water - the river water acts as a moat between the inner and outer curtains, and also as a moat outside the outer curtain. The only land entries are the south bridge gate and a northern gate that passes through the outer curtain. The shapes of the walls illustrate the star-shaped patterns common to this era, an adaptation made to allow for defensive canonry, and to protect against siege artillery.

Price: $30.00