Untitled Plate 4

Paul Hoste (b.1652- d.1700) was a French mathematician and scientist. He studied and accompanied the leading French admirals of the late 17^th century on expeditions at sea. As a professor of mathematics at Seminaire Royal de Toulon he applied his mathematical skills to tactical matters of navigation. He is known for his treatise L’Art des Armees Navales, published in Lyon in 1697- [1740]. L'Art Des armées navales outlines a system of naval tactics and "evolutions" designed by Hoste. By "evolutions" Hoste meant the maneuvers made by a fleet in order put itself into a proper disposition for attacking the enemy or defending itself to the best advantage. The book is illustrated with 130 magnificently engraved plates. The detail is impressive with the ships in each plate being rigged in a manner appropriate to the evolution being illustrated.

13 ½ x 9 inches sheet size.

Copperplate engraving on laid paper with hand color.

Excellent original condition.