Battle of Prats del Rey, 1745.

Ancient plan in black ink on white paper, original from 1745 and made by the Londoner engraver James Basire. This wonderful historic document depicts a plan of the Battle of Prats del Rey, a content that took place during the War of Spanish Succession. The engraving is really attractive, a hundred per cent original from the time and in very good condition. As well as depicting the land where the battle took place and the movements of the Spanish and French troops, the plan shows a big cartouche in the left top corner with a series of explanations needed to understand the course of the struggle. The Battle of Prats del Rey took place during the War of Spanish Succession, a content amongst the supporters of the French Bourbon king Phillip of Anjou and the followers of the Archduke Charles of Austria. Both pursued the Spanish throne after king Carlos II had died without offspring. This particular battle was fought between September and December of 1711, at the same time as the Siege of Cardona. The struggle was started by the Bourbon king who wanted to win back Catalonia. After the victory of the alleys in Cardona, the Bourbon army abandoned Prats del Rey. In 1713 the war would come to an end with the signature of the Peace of Utretch. This engraving is a work by one of the most prestigious artists and illustrators of those times, James Basire. The name of Basire is associated to wonderful engravings depicting maps, battle plans, antiquarian scenes, architectural landscapes and portraits of relevant people such as Captain Cook and Lady Stanhope. His mastery was so high that he gave lessons to William Blake, one of the most famous poets and artist in the British history. This work is a beautiful and precise work, worthy of the great engraved that James Basire was. Any lover of historic engravings and Spanish war-related antiques will find a unique and special piece in this work of art. Measurements: Width: 15.3 in/39 cm. Height: 19.1 in/48.6 in.