Von Reibisch, Medieval Siege Tower in Action, 1842, Print

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Title: 19th-century hand-coloured lithograph of a medieval siege tower in action : this exceptional hand-coloured lithograph depicts a towering medieval … Read more Title: 19th-century hand-coloured lithograph of a medieval siege tower in action : this exceptional hand-coloured lithograph depicts a towering medieval siege tower, a critical war engine used in ancient and medieval warfare to breach fortified walls. The print comes from the celebrated 1842 work 'der rittersaal: eine geschichte des ritterthums' by friedrich martin von reibisch and dr. Franz kottenkamp, exploring the history and evolution of knighthood, warfare, and chivalry. The scene vividly illustrates the immense scale and complexity of siege warfare. The multi-leveled wooden siege tower, complete with small windows and battlements, is shown being maneuvered across the battlefield with the aid of soldiers and large ropes. At the base, figures work to position the heavy structure, while at the top, rows of knights and archers prepare for the assault. The backdrop of rolling hills and greenery adds depth and realism to this remarkable historical depiction. Siege towers like the one depicted in this lithograph were used in numerous battles throughout ancient and medieval history, particularly during large-scale sieges of fortified cities or castles. Their primary function was to allow attacking forces to scale high walls while providing cover from defensive projectiles. Below are some notable historical periods and battles where siege towers played a role: --- 1. Ancient battles - siege of troy (circa 12th or 13th century bce, legendary): while primarily referenced in 'the iliad', various siege devices, including possible towers, were imagined as part of the assault on troy's walls. - siege of nineveh (612 bce): the babylonians, medes, and scythians used siege engines, likely including towers, to breach the assyrian capital's formidable walls. - siege of tyre (332 bce): alexander the great famously used innovative siege techniques, including movable towers, to conquer the island city of tyre. 2. Roman battles - siege of avaricum (52 bce): julius caesar's forces built massive siege towers to breach the walls of this gallic stronghold during the gallic wars. - siege of jerusalem (70 ce): roman forces under titus used siege towers to attack the fortified walls of jerusalem during the jewish-roman war. 3. Medieval battles - siege of antioch (1097-1098, first crusade): crusaders constructed siege towers to assault the city's formidable walls, ultimately capturing the city. - siege of jerusalem (1099, first crusade): the crusaders famously used wooden siege towers to breach jerusalem's heavily defended walls. - siege of acre (1189-1191, third crusade): richard the lionheart's forces used siege towers and other engines to take this strategically vital city. - siege of constantinople (1204, fourth crusade): siege towers and other devices were employed by the crusaders to breach the city's defenses. 4. Late medieval battles - siege of orléans (1428-1429, hundred years' war): while cannons were already in use, the english used siege towers as part of their assault on orléans. - siege of rhodes (1480): the ottoman empire brought massive siege towers to attack the knights hospitaller defending rhodes. --- siege towers were primarily used in battles where defenders relied on tall fortifications. Constructed on-site from wood, they provided archers and infantry a protected way to assault walls. As gunpowder and cannons became prevalent in the late middle ages, siege towers fell out of use, as fortifications could be breached more efficiently through artillery bombardment. This lithograph likely references the siege engines of the crusades or similar medieval campaigns, where such towers were iconic symbols of military ingenuity. Condition: this lithograph is in excellent condition for its age, with clean margins and vibrant, carefully applied hand-colouring. Light toning and minor creases at the edges add character while maintaining its overall appeal. This rare and visually stunning piece is perfect for collectors of military history, medieval siege technology, or enthusiasts of knightly art. Its detailed craftsmanship and historical significance make it an ideal candidate for framing and display in a study, office, or gallery. See less