Rare 1742 War of the Austrian Succession Satirical Broadside Print
This is a genuine 18th-century English copperplate engraving detailing the dramatic climax of the historic Siege of Prague.
Published in London immediately following the events of December 1742, this rare topographical panorama serves as both an accurate battle plan and a sharp political satire mocking the hasty winter retreat of French Marshal Belle-Isle.
Details & Specifications
• Subject: The French retreat from Prague and the city's subsequent surrender to Austrian Prince Lobkowitz.
• Engraver: John Bickham Junior (Signed lower left: "Bickham jun. Sculpt.").
(The text reads: "Bickham junr. Sculp. from an Original View done in Germany."The Signature:"Bickham junr." stands for John Bickham Junior (often referred to as George Bickham the Younger) [George Bickham the Younger].The Latin Mark:"Sculp." is an abbreviation for sculpsit, which is Latin for "he engraved it." This was the universal 18th-century standard used by master printmakers to sign their copper plates, definitively proving his direct hand in creating this work.)
• Date of Publication: Circa late 1742 – early 1743.
• Origin: London, England (engraved from an original eyewitness drawing drafted in Germany).
• Medium: Intaglio engraving on laid paper.
• Presentation: Currently housed in a mid-to-late 20th-century gilt accented wooden frame with a cream window mat.
Definitive Proofs of Authenticity
This piece is a period impression, not a modern digital reproduction or photomechanical scan.
1. Visible Plate Mark: A distinct, recessed rectangular indentation line from the original copper plate is clearly visible pressed into the paper just outside the black border line.
2. Engraving Line Quality: The ink lines are sharp, crisp, and slightly raised to the touch, showing the characteristic fine cross-hatching of true 18th-century hand-engraved craftsmanship.
3. Publication Fold Lines: The print features original horizontal and vertical structural fold lines, proving its provenance as a large-format informational news sheet originally folded into a period historical journal or contemporary atlas.
Provenance & Historical Context
The print captures the geopolitical drama of the War of the Austrian Succession.
It features a numbered map legend detailing "Marshal Broglio’s Camp," "The Head Quarters at Mothal," and the specific districts of Prague. The top section features a highly unique, biting political caricature: a winged, two-headed figure riding a winged donkey through the freezing skies, shouting a speech bubble directly at the fleeing French army: "Run my Kindred it will make you warm."
Condition Report:
The print has survived in beautiful, stable condition with clear, dark ink contrast.
The paper displays an even, natural light amber tone appropriate for its 280+ year age.
There are no major tears, heavy water stains, or severe foxing spots. The print shows natural paper rippling under the glass, and minor golden "mat burn" along the extreme outer edge of the window border, confirming decades of untouched display.
The print is currently housed in a attractive mid-to-late 20th-century gilt wood frame. However as the print is resting loosely within the frame and in the interest of preserving its long-term investment value and preventing future paper degradation, it would eventually benefit from being remounted in a modern conservation-grade frame utilizing acid-free archival materials and UV-protective glass.
Important Presentation & Mounting Note:
Please note as mentioned above, the print is currently resting loosely within the matting and is not permanently affixed or stuck down to the backing card. As a result, the paper can shift slightly inside the frame during transit. I have intentionally chosen not to open the frame to secure it, as I am unqualified in paper conservation and wish to leave the historic 280-year-old paper entirely untouched for the next owner.