Interesting group of town plans made at the time of the War of the Grand Alliance. In the aftermath of the Thirty Years' War, which had devastated large parts of Southern Germany the League of Augsburg was formed in 1686 between Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor, and various German princes to oppose Louis XIV's aggression in Germany. The alliance was joined by Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Provinces. Later, England also declared war on France in May of 1689, and the League of Augsburg became known as the "Grand Alliance", with England, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, the United Provinces, and most of the German states opposing France. The war came to an inconclusive end in 1696.

1) Fribourg est une Ville Forte Capitale de Brisgaw, en Allemagne… is a bird's-eye plan of the extensive fortifications and batteries at Freiburg and the surrounding countryside. Decorated with a title cartouche, compass rose and map key. Engraved by Herman van Loon. (11.7 x 8.4")
2) Saar-Louis Est une Ville forte… shows the important fort on the river Saar that was built by Louis XIV in 1680. The fortifications were designed by the famous French military engineer Mareschal Vauban. A key identifies eleven important parts of the fortification. (9.5 x 7.5")
3) Hailbron, Ville Imperiale du Cercle de Souabe dans le Duce de Wirtemberg… is a bird's-eye plan of the fortress at Heilbronn and vicinity along the Necker River, showing the forts at Weinsperg and Erlenbach as well. (11.8 x 8.2")
4) Rheinfels Petite Ville forte… describes the fortress of Rheinfels near St. Goar, one of the largest castles on the Rhine. It illustrates the French siege of 1692 in which the Hessians, with a force of only 4,000 men, defended it against an army of 28,000 soldiers. (10.5 x 8")

References: Pollak #21, p. 40.

Condition: B

Map 1-Narrow right margin, as issued, with a bit of light foxing. Maps 3 and 4 with some light damp stains in the lower margins.