11 Pieter Schenk (1660–1718) – Map of the Bird’s-Eye View of Luxembourg Fortress / Luxemburg – Lutzelburgum – Engraving (1684)

This copperplate engraving offers a strategic bird’s-eye view of the heavily fortified city of Luxembourg, situated on a rocky plateau along the Alzette River. The print shows the city’s extensive bastion system and defensive architecture, rendered with sharp precision and geometric clarity. The Latin and Dutch captions highlight the city's capture in 1684 by the French Marshal François de Créquy during the War of the Reunions, when the city was taken from the Spanish after a significant siege.

Luxembourg was one of the most fortified places in Europe, often referred to as the "Gibraltar of the North" for its natural and constructed defenses. This engraving is a prime example of early military cartography focused on fortress towns and was likely part of a series documenting notable sieges and military events.

Pieter Schenk  was a Dutch engraver, cartographer, and publisher active in Amsterdam and Leipzig. He is known for his detailed town plans, map engravings, and city views which were often compiled into atlases such as the Hecatompolis or Atlas Contractus. His works are notable for their clean linework and precision, offering valuable historical insight into the urban landscapes of early 18th-century Europe.

Artist or Maker:

Pieter Schenk

Dimensions:

19 cm x 22 cm

Medium:

Engraving

Date:

1684

Condition Report:

This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.