Antique Louis XIV Siege of Arras Floor Screen, 19th Century

Antique Louis XIV Siege of Arras Floor Screen, 19th Century, a four panel screen with paper lithograph laid down on wooden panels, depicting the schematic plan of battle and landscape of a decisive battle in the Franco-Spanish War during the reign of the Sun King Louis XIV.: the front depicts the garrison, encampments, positions, lines of battle, and portraits of the various principles involved; the reverse bears a cartouche with descriptive title. The Battle of Arras was fought on August 25, 1654, and was a victory of a French army under Turenne against a Spanish army commanded by Don Ferdinand de Salis and the Prince de Condé.

The French garrison was besieged by the Spaniards under the Great Condé. A relief army under Turenne, d’Hocquincourt and de la Ferté attacked the Spanish lines and totally routed them with a loss of 7,000 men. The battle was renown for Turenne’s bold risk of endangering himself to personally reconnoiter the enemy positions, and then launching a daring night time counter attack. It was the first victory for Louis XIV against a foreign army.

The paper shows wear and some cracks and loss, especially around the edges. The wood as well has some chipping.

Each Panel Measures: 72 in High x 20 in Wide
Screen Measures: 72 in High x 82 in Wide