The Attach of Two Bastions, at Breches Made by Springing Mines, from Twelve of the Most Remarkable Sieges and Battles in Europe
ca. 1760–1770
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Accession Number
1957-41-159
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
In the mid-18th century, printmaker and publisher Carington Bowles1724–1793) captured the drama of European warfare in *The Attack of Two Bast, at Breaches Made Springing Mines*, part of his series *Twelve of the Mostable Sieges and Battles Europe* (ca. 1760–1770). This print depicts a fierce assault on fortified bastions, where explosive mines have blasted open breaches in the walls, allowing attackers to storm the defenses amid smoke, cannon fire, and chaos. As a product of Bowles' prolific London workshop, it exemplifies the era's popular print culture, where detailed engravings or mezzotin...