Military & Political · 18th century
€ 365
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Overall in fair to good antique condition with age-related toning, fold lines, and edge wear consistent with early 18th-century prints. Minor spotting and handling wear present.
Siege of Alburquerque near Elvas – War of Spanish Succession Engraving, 1710
This scarce early 18th-century copperplate engraving depicts the surrender of Alburquerque in Extremadura, Spain, near the Portuguese frontier and the fortified city of Elvas, during the War of the Spanish Succession. Published around 1710 by the noted Amsterdam engraver and publisher Pieter Schenk, the scene commemorates the capture of the town by forces loyal to Archduke Charles of Austria, referred to in the inscription as King Charles III, on 10 June 1705.
The composition presents a dramatic military panorama in the characteristic documentary style of early Dutch war prints. In the foreground, heavy artillery batteries bombard the fortified town while cavalry, supply wagons, and soldiers animate the encampment. Dense clouds of smoke rise from the cannons, creating a vivid sense of battlefield activity and tension. Beyond the siege lines, the walled town and elevated fortress dominate the landscape, emphasizing the strategic importance of Alburquerque along the Spanish-Portuguese border.
This engraving originates from Pieter Schenk’s celebrated Theatrum Bellicum, a richly illustrated series documenting important military campaigns and fortified cities of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Schenk was among the leading Dutch printmakers and map publishers of the period, known for combining precise topographical detail with dramatic visual storytelling. Works from Theatrum Bellicum are valued today not only as historical documents of European warfare, but also as decorative engravings reflecting the Dutch Golden Age fascination with military engineering and current events.
The print is especially appealing for collectors of military history, early modern European conflicts, Dutch engraving, and cartographic material relating to Spain and Portugal. Its restrained monochrome palette and architectural clarity make it particularly suitable for study interiors, libraries, or gallery walls focused on historical or martial themes.
Special note: This is an original antique engraving, not a reproduction. All items we offer are authentic period works of art over 100 years old. The print is sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be to scale with the original.
Condition report: Overall in fair to good antique condition with age-related toning, fold lines, and edge wear consistent with early 18th-century prints. Minor spotting and handling wear present. The engraving remains well preserved with strong impression and clear detail.
Framing tips: This engraving displays beautifully in dark walnut, ebonized, or black lacquer frames with wide ivory or warm cream mats. A subtle gilt fillet can enhance the refined linework and historic character while maintaining a restrained museum-style presentation. Particularly suitable for libraries, studies, or interiors with classical European décor.
Technique: Copperplate engraving
Maker: Pieter Schenk, Amsterdam, c.1710
