1875 Woodcut Paul Philippoteaux Marshal Villars Eugene War Spanish XEA6

This is an original 1875 black and white woodcut of an illustration by French artist Paul Philippoteaux which depicts Claude Louis Hector de Villars, Marshal of France, about to receive a hug from Prince Eugene of Savoy. Although not a big deal to the uninformed observer, this was actually quite a significant event as the two were enemies during the War of the Spanish Succession, and fought against each other on the northern frontier. No hard feelings, apparently. They would have hugged at the bottom of the stairs, however Villars had taken a musket ball to the knee during the Battle of Malplaquet, and stairs were no longer kind to him.

CONDITION

This 136+ year old Item is rated Near Mint / Very Fine. Light aging throughout. Light wrinkling. No natural defects.No surface rub.No tears. No water damage. Please note that there is a blind emboss mark in the upper right corner.

• Product Type: Original Woodcut; Black / White
• Grade: Near Mint / Very Fine
• Dimensions: Approximately 6 x 8 inches; 15 x 20 cm
• Authentication: Serial-Numbered Certificate of Authenticity w/ Full Provenance
• Protection: Packaged in a custom archival sleeve with an acid-free black board (great for display, gift-giving, and preservation)

This image was selected from a collection of woodcuts and steel engravings prolifically depicting scenes from French history, ranging from ancient Gaul to Charlemagne and his wars, to Joan of Arc and Marie Antoinette. Historically important for French archivists, these images are extremely rare to locate and are virtually unseen individually. Period Paper is pleased to present these beautifully preserved images, which would make an ideal addition to any French lover's collection. To view more images from this portfolio, please click on the link offered below the condition paragraph.

This piece was illustrated by Philippoteaux, Paul. There is no visible artist signature.

Philippoteaux, Paul

Paul Philippoteaux (1846 _ 1923) was a Parisian artist who studied at the Collège Henri-IV and frequented both his father's studio as well as those of other artists. He is most famous for his incredible cycloramas, with his masterpiece being The Battle of Gettysburg, an enormous painting which was not only over one hundred yards long, but weighed over six tons and included items such as trees, fences, and stone walls when it was originally displayed.

Keywords specific to this image: costume, frenemy, 18th century

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