Battle of Marengo 14 June 1800, sheet 2. An engraved and hand-coloured map 29, A. K. Johnston, Atlas to Alison's History of Europe, 1850 art print poster canvas gift

Battle of Marengo 14 June 1800, sheet 2 (map plate 29), engraved by A.K. Johnston for Atlas to Alison's History of Europe, published by W. Blackwood & Sons, Edinburgh & London, in 1850.

Alexander Keith Johnston (1804 - 1871) was a Scottish geographer and cartographer. His initial interest to geography was inspired by inaccuracy of maps Johnston used in his early years hiking in West Highlands. After graduating from University of Edinburgh he joined his brother in printing business "W. & A. K. Johnston" which used the clan motto "Ready Aye Ready" as their logo. The rest of Johnston's life was devoted to geography and map making. Among other works, Johnston created the first English language physical globe of the world, and an atlas of military geography to accompany Alison's History of Europe, first published in 1848. The company W & A K Johnston were appointed engravers to King William IV and Johnston was later elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

The Battle of Marengo was fought on 14th of June 1800 near city of Alessandria, in Piedmont, Italy, between French army under Napoleon Bonaparte and Austrian forces. Misled by a local double-agent and initially taken by surprise by Austrian forces, the French were soon forced to withdraw eastward. The Austrians have seized the Marengo farm and started a pursuit. Napoleon has soon realised his mistakes and ordered his last reserves forward, stabilizing the French position and delaying the Austrian pursuit. A following surprise attack by French cavalry sent the Austrians into chaotic retreat, with a large number of Austrian troops killed and captured. Battle of Marengo has led to negotiations with General Michael von Melas and subsequent evacuation of Austrian army from Italy, and secured Napoleon Bonaparte's grip on power as First Consul of France after his coup of 9th November 1799, or 18th Brumaire Year VIII under French Republican calendar.

This poster is a high quality "giclée" reproduction of a painstakingly restored antique original, custom-printed on Standard Single-weight Matt Coated art paper 140gsm or  Heavyweight Matt Coated art paper 230gsm (more of a thin card density), or superb Epson Matt Canvas 320gsm, according to your choice. We use the latest UltraChromeHDX pigment inks which guarantee 60 years of colour  permanence (up to 200 years fade-proof for colour prints).  This poster is suitable for mounting and framing, as well as direct display on a wall.