Plan de la Ville d’Aire Assiegee poar les Alliez en 1710.

Title

Plan de la Ville d’Aire Assiegee poar les Alliez en 1710.

Description

The map depicts a military fortification and siege plan of the city of Aire (present-day Aire-sur-la-Lys) in 1710, during the War of the Spanish Succession. It shows the city, its fortifications, the surrounding terrain, and the military positions and siege works of the Allied forces. Lower left: a decorative title cartouche with an index from A - T and a scale bar in miles. Lower right: an inset map depicting the siege of Saint-Venant in 1710. Cartographer and engraver Pieter van Call (1655 - 1722), signed “P. v. Cal fecit” in the cartouche. Published by Anna Beek, with printing privilege, The Hague, from the series "Plans de fortifications et de batailles".

ca. 1711

Artist

Beek Anna (1657-1717)

Anna Beek (1657–1717), born and died in The Hague, was a prominent Dutch map and print publisher based in The Hague. Among other subjects, she specialised in maps and plans depicting battles, sieges, and fortifications during the War of the Spanish Succession. She published numerous such prints between approximately 1697 and 1717. Her work is particularly significant in the history of cartography, as she was one of the few prominent female map publishers of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Her maps and plans are today sought after by collectors and libraries.

Historical Description

Aire-sur-la-Lys, historically known simply as Aire, is a historic town in northern France, near the modern border with Belgium. Due to its strategic location, it was an important military and political center for centuries. During the Middle Ages, Aire belonged to the County of Flanders and later came under the rule of various powers in the region. The town was repeatedly contested between France and the Habsburgs. In 1676, Aire was definitively captured by France under Louis XIV. Today, Aire-sur-la-Lys is known for its historic old town and its important medieval and early modern buildings.