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Description

Manuscript Map of the Alpine Foothills near Albenga. Produced During the Italian Campaign of the War of the Austrian Succession.

Fine, detailed, and beautiful 1745 manuscript map of the Arroscia, Neva, and Centa Rivers upriver of Centa.

This map was produced in June of 1745 as French forces were advancing into Italy and would have been required to cross the mountainous region shown. The map names many towns and villages in the area and extends roughly town miles inland from the town of Albenga to the Tanaro River. Roads, rivers, and terrain are all shown.

This map was produced in the classic French military style, with subtle wash colors and a plainly readable, but beautifully delicate style.

The Italian Campaign of 1745

Fought during the fifth year of the War of the Austrian Succession, the Italian Campaign of 1945 was a major success for the French and Genoese allies against the Austrian and Sardinian forces. At that time in the war, the Geonese government had come to fear that its neutrality left it vulnerable and allied itself with the French. 

By summer of that year, French forces were in the Genoese territory to help their allies defeat the Austrians and Sardinians. The most important battle was in Bassignana, west of the region shown on the map, where the allies handily defeated their foes and set the stage for further victories.

Condition Description
Three sheets, joined. Pen and ink on 18th-century laid paper. Minor toning and some loss associated with oxidation of ink. Small area of waterstain and loss near Beguda.