Siege of Tourney MDCLXVII
Medium
Engraving and etching on paper
Dimensions
Plate: 39.6 × 56.2 cm (15 5/8 × 22 3/16 in.); Sheet: 39.9 × 56.3 cm (15 3/4 × 22 3/16 in.)
Classification
etching
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
109030
Art Historical Context
**Siege of Tournai MDCLXVII** is a dynamic engraving and etching by Sébastien Le Cler the elder, a leading French printmaker of the late 17th century, created in 1681. Le Clerc, renowned for his intricate battle scenes and historical illustrations under Louis XIV's patronage, captures the dramatic French siege of Tournaimodern-day Tournai, Belgium) in 1667—part of the War of Devolution. This conflict saw Louis XIV's forces swiftly claim territories from the Spanish Netherlands, bolstering France's power during its grand siècle of absolutist glory. Measuring nearly 40 x 56 cm on paper, the pri...