Rare manuscript plan of the seige of Ventimiglia

Plan des Retranchements des Ennemis sur la Roya. le 28 Oct. 1747.

Europe France
  • Publication date: 1747.
  • Physical description: Manuscript plan with fine original hand-colour, dissected and mounted on linen, key to plan lower right.
  • Dimensions: 510 by 740mm. (20 by 29.25 inches).
  • Inventory reference: 2790

Notes

Detailed plan of the seige of Ventimiglia – in the south of France during the War of Austrian Succession – on October 28th 1747.

The Allied army is clearly marked to the east of the river Roya, camped behind their defensive lines, with three British warships anchored of the coast. To the west of the river lie the French and Spanish forces to the north of Ventimiglia. A key to the right of the plan provides information upon the composition of the French and Spanish forces.

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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