Military & Political · 18th century
€ 450
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
impression with strong contrast. Age-related toning to the margins and minimal foxing. Edges clean, with no tears or repairs.
Enlevement d’un Convoy – 18th Century Engraving After Wouwerman, Published by Leviez
This dramatic antique print titled *Enlevement d’un Convoy* (The Seizure of a Convoy) captures the chaos and intensity of an ambush on an Ottoman supply train. Engraved by S.F. Ravenet after a dynamic original painting by the celebrated Dutch artist Philips Wouwerman (1619–1668), the composition teems with movement, conflict, and atmospheric detail.
The scene is set in a wooded and marshy area, where a group of European cavalrymen attack an Ottoman convoy. In the immediate foreground, a soldier on horseback fires a pistol at an Ottoman rider, whose galloping horse adds to the visual energy. Below them, a fallen soldier is being trampled underfoot. In the background, other mounted soldiers engage in chaotic battle, while a large hay cart—part of the convoy—forms the focal point of the assault. Dark clouds and smoke create a sense of urgency and tension.
Philips Wouwerman was a master of equestrian and military scenes in the Dutch Golden Age tradition, and his influence remained strong throughout the 18th century, particularly in France. This engraving by Simon François Ravenet (1706–1774), a renowned French engraver active in London and Paris, skillfully translates Wouwerman’s vigorous brushwork into fine, detailed linework and shading.
Published by Charles Leviez, likely in Paris during the mid-to-late 18th century, the print reflects European fascination with Orientalist themes and military valor. Such works often served to romanticize both the foreign “Other” and the supposed heroism of Western cavalrymen, echoing the broader artistic and political narratives of the Enlightenment and pre-Napoleonic Europe.
Condition: Good impression with strong contrast. Age-related toning to the margins and minimal foxing. Edges clean, with no tears or repairs.
Framing tips: A classical black or dark walnut frame with a cream mat will highlight the depth and drama of the composition. Use museum glass to reduce reflection and protect the fine detailing.
Technique: Copper engraving
Maker: S.F. Ravenet after P. Wouwerman, published by Charles Leviez, France, c. 1760s
