BATTLE OF MALPLAQUET Antique Historical Military Print

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c1890s SEPIA PRINT RARE ANTIQUE MILITARY BATTLESCENE PRINT COMES WITH FOLIO SIZE TISSUE THAT HAS ENGRAVINGS OF THE ARMS AND ARMOUR OF THE PERIOD BRITISH BATTLES - COMES WITH DESCRIPTIVE TEXT BATTLE OF MALPLAQUET - 1709 SCANS MINIMIZED TO FIT PAGE THE BATTLE OF MALPLAQUET, 1709 "A DELUGE OF BLOOD" It was under very changed conditions, as compared with those obtaining when Blenheim was fought, that Marlborough met the troops of Louis at Malplaquet. France was well-nigh worn out by the prolonged war. Famine within her borders, military disasters without, had caused her imperious ruler to look anxiously for peace. To this end his craftiest Ministers sought by offers of individual advantage to detach the Allies from the pact. Their efforts failed. The Alliance held fast, and demanded such humiliating conditions that Louis was obliged to renew the struggle. On the other hand, the political situation in England was such that Marlborough felt the necessity of achieving some victory that would justify the continuance of the war. Had he consulted only himself, he would have welcomed a cessation of hostilities, but he knew that France must be further stricken if the peace was to be enduring. In September, 1709, the capitulation of Douai to the Allies, and the approaching investment of Mons, brought the hostile armies closer together. The French, to the number of 110,000, were under the courageous and capable Villars, with whom was Marshal Boufflers, the brave defender of Lille. Marlborough commanded much the same strength of various nationalities, with his tried comrade and friend Prince Eugene. Villars encamped in a strong position between two woods near the little village of Malplaquet. The Allies were drawn up opposite to him. For two nights and II a day the French General was allowed to strengthen his position by digging trenches and clearing his front, till early on the morning of the 11th September the Allied troops were led against him, the soldiers expressing their contempt at being obliged to fight 'against moles." Villars believed in his trenches and filled them with infantry posting his cavalry in the rear. The disposition of the Allies was a frontal attack, with a threat to enfilade the enemy's left. Led by Prince Eugene and Marlborough the line advanced against the French left and centre. Several times it was beaten back, but the attack was fiercely renewed. Half an hour after the battle had opened the young Prince of Orange, acting without orders, flung himself against the right of the trenches, only to be repulsed with a loss of 2,000 men. Although the Allies had not made much headway their onslaught on the flanks had withdrawn all the infantry from the centre, leaving the French cavalry exposed. Instantly Marlborough turned his cannon on the horsemen, following up the fire with a cavalry charge headed by the Prince of Auvergne. The charge had to be driven home no less than four times before the French gave way, but in the end the line was pierced. The French retreat was orderly, the Allies being too exhausted for pursuit. The cost to the victors was 18,000 killed and wounded; to the vanquished 14,000. Writing of the battle many years afterwards, Bolingbroke said: A deluge of blood was spilt to dislodge them, for we did no more at Malplaquet." Henry Louis Dupray 1841-1909. French military artist Henry Dupray's military paintings, many of which were produced as small sepia prints PUBLISHED DATE c1890s . PAGE SIZE: approx 11 3/4 INCHES x 8 1/4 INCHES IMAGE SIZE: approx 11 1/2 X 8 INCHES Engraved Tissue SIZE: approx 16 X 11 INCHES CONDITION SEPIA PRINT - Blank on the back. There are some nicks on the left hand side of the plate in the margin area, doesn't affect the print, otherwise in Excellent Condition. As Scanned.The image is clean, clear and sharp with beautiful depth and detail.This beautiful rare item would look great matted and framed. An art supply store can provide you with a selection of frames for old art treasure. Seller Inventory # 6161

Bibliographic Details

Title: BATTLE OF MALPLAQUET Antique Historical ...

Binding: no binding

Condition: very good