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This is an authentic early-19th-century copperplate engraving, titled “Fortification”, illustrating classic European fortress engineering layouts and defensive constructions used in military academies and engineering manuals.
The sheet includes:
• Bastion (Fig. 1)
• Blind (Fig. 2)
• Demi-Lune (Fig. 3) – early ravelin-style outwork
• Fascines (Fig. 4) – bundled earthwork reinforcements
• Star Fort configurations (Figs. 5–10)
• Marolois’ Method (Fig. 12)
• De Ville’s Method (Fig. 13)
• Reinforced Order (Fig. 14)
• Vauban’s First Method (Fig. 15 No.2) – the father of modern fortification
• Cheval de frise (Fig. 15) – classic anti-cavalry barricade
• Vauban’s Second Method (Fig. 17) – heavily detailed, high-value diagram
Signed in plate: J. Taylor Sculp.
Dimensions: approx. 16.5” × 10”
Technique: Copperplate engraving
Paper: Early laid paper, natural toning, foxing
Age: c. 1810–1825
Condition: Good antique condition with expected foxing, age toning, and minor handling marks.
This is a key subject for collectors of early military engineering, star forts, siege warfare, and cartographic/architectural history.
