Guerard 'Marche'

A reader of this blog asked about this image - this is the largest version I can find - it shows the French backpack - a basic canvas rectangular shaped bag with a draw string closure with a belt sewn onto it. It was pretty standard throughout the 18th century and could double up as a sleeping bag for the feet.

Sovereign's Servant (2007) Battle of Poltava 1709

This Russian movie about two duellists despatched from Louis XIV's court to participate in the Great Northern War is pretty trashy but I am posting a clip of it just in case you haven't seen it and I think it's worth watching for the simple reason it's one of the very few depictions of early 18th century warfare on the big screen. Poltava is having its 300th anniversary next year and will see reenactors converge from all over Europe to recreate this famous battle. Part 2 here

Vauban, la forteresse idéale

This silent clip shows 3D virtual modelling of the various elements of a Vauban fortress with the nomenclature and so forth. It's a major achievement and I recommend you watch it. Made by Fortimedia. DVD here

Jacques Courtois

I really like these works - not sure of the date but his wiki is here - he died around 1676 - these look like 1660s.

Seneffe

A bloody battle fought between the French under Conde and the Dutch under William of Orange in 1674 - wiki here. The Anglo-Dutch suffered 50 per cent killed including their commander Major-General Sir Walter Vane. Coehorn distinguished himself at this battle which had no clear winner.

Cuirass of Marshal Turenne

The backplate of a cuirass reputedly worn by the great Turenne.

Mousquetaires du roi

Nicholas Guerard.

These most celebrated of all the Mason du roi are depicted in many works of art. The above colour work is the Prise de Gand, 1678 painted 1679-1680
Parrocel Joseph (1646-1704