Detailed plan of the town of Kortrijk in Belgium

Plan de Courtray.

Europe Low Countries
  • Publication date: 1744
  • Physical description: Manuscript plan with fine original hand-colour, with over-slips, dissected and mounted on linen, key to right of plan.
  • Dimensions: 280 by 440mm (11 by 17.25 inches).
  • Inventory reference: 2775

Notes

Detailed plan of the town of Kortrijk in Belgium.

The plan shows the town during the French occupation of 1744. The French under the command of Louis XV had invaded the Austrian Netherlands, in May 1744 as part of the Second Silesian War, during the Wars of Austrian succession.

The plan show the position of French infantry (yellow) and dragoons (red). A key to the left gives information regarding the town’s buildings and defences.

Scale: (appox.) 18cm to 1km.

Provenance

From the Library of the Dukes of Luynes.

Charles Louis d’Albert de Luynes (1717-1771) was a French nobleman and member of the House of Albert. He was the fifth Duke of Luynes as well as Duke of Chevreuse.

He took part in the war in 1733 in the War of the Polish Succession. He also took part in campaigns in 1735 and 1745, the latter in the War of the Austrian Succession, and was injured in combat at Sahay at the head of the Dragoons. He participated in the attack of Prague in 1742, and also assisted in various sieges and battles of the era.

In 1754, he was created a Colonel General of the Dragoons. From 1757 to 1771, he was the Gouverneur de Paris (Military governor of Paris), an ancient and prestigious rank representing the king in the capital. He also was created a Knight of the Order of the Holy Spirit at Versailles on 2 February 1759.

He died in Paris in his Hôtel. He was buried at the Chapelle de Saint Jean l’Évangeliste at the Église Saint-Sulpice, Paris.

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