Engraving - "the Battle Of Saint Cast On The Coasts Of Brittany - Ep. 18th

SAINT CAST (22) - RARE "THE BATTLE OF SAINT CAST ON THE COASTS OF BRITTANY, between the French army commanded by the Duke of Aiguillon and that of the English by General Bligh - September 11, 1758 - Ep. XVIIIth Original intaglio engraving in period colors. Engraved by Jean-Baptiste TARDIEU l'Aîné (circa 1740 - early 19th century) is a French engraver and cartographer active in the 18th century, mainly known for his military, historical and geographical maps. In the upper part, topographical view of the bay of Saint-Cast and its surroundings, including villages, reliefs, paths, military positions and the English fleet. The sea is animated by vessels firing their cannons, showing the desperate attempt of English embarkation under French fire. It represents the military positions: the French troops are arranged in lines parallel to the coast. The location letters (A to X) correspond to the detailed legend at the bottom of the engraving. Named towns and places: Saint-Cast, La Garde, Le Guildo, Matignon, Saint-Potan, etc. The very colorful compass rose, reinforcing maritime readability. The cartouche at the bottom right: "Combat de Saint-Cast", with a scale in toises. In the lower insert, explanatory legend of the combat, mentioning the movements of the troops, the points of attack and retreat, the chronology of events. This engraving is both a cartographic and military document, a propaganda tool highlighting a French victory, and an artistic work with a precise and ornate style. It embodies the way in which battles were portrayed during the Enlightenment: pedagogy, strategic staging, and national valorization. THE BATTLE OF SAINT CAST Occurred on September 11, 1758 during the Seven Years' War, represents a notable victory for France against an attempted British landing in Brittany. As part of the Seven Years' War Years, the British carried out several coastal raids to weaken France. After attacks on Cancale and Cherbourg, a British expedition targeted Saint-Malo. On September 4, 1758, approximately 10,000 British soldiers, under the command of General Thomas Bligh, landed at Saint-Lunaire. However, faced with the resistance of French fortifications and unfavorable weather conditions, they retreated to the bay of Saint-Cast to re-embark. This defeat put an end to British attempts to land on the French coast during the Seven Years' War. The victory strengthened French morale and was celebrated with a Te Deum at Notre-Dame de Paris. It became a symbol of resistance in Brittany, commemorated by monuments and works. Dimensions: Frame: Height 58 cm - Width 45 cm - Width Baguette: 3 cm, Condition: PERFECT CONDITION, Period: 18th century, Frame: CURRENT - Composite with an old gold beveled edge, a champagne-colored moiré mat and a walnut burl wooden rod.PAYMENT and TRANSPORT PAYMENTS ACCEPTED BANK TRANSFER / PAYPAL / BANK TRANSFER / CB online or by CHECK (possibility of payment in installments). PARCELS WILL BE POSTED WITHIN 4 DAYS. GROUPED SHIPPING POSSIBLE IN CASE OF PURCHASE OF MULTIPLE ITEMS.