Siege of Pontelagoscuro, 1643

DICHIARATIONE / Del Disegno del Ponte di Lagoscuro

A view of Pontelagoscuro, unsuccessfully besieged and attacked by troops of the league of the Republic of Venice, under the orders of Mattias de' Medici (9 May 1613-11 October 1667) from 29 August to 3 September 1643 resulting in the retention of the town and fort by the Papal army of Pope Urban VIII (bap.5 April 1568-29 July 1644), commanded by Cardinal Antonio Barberini (5 August 1607-3 September 1671). First War of Castro (1641-1644). Oriented with north to top (cardinal points).

The view is taken from the south bank of the Po which was occupied by Papal troops. The new fort, on the opposite side of the river, which had been built by the Papal army earlier in the year by the engineer Filippo Besser, is still occupied by them. The Venetians, who were fighting on the side of the Farnese and whose flag identifies their locations on the north bank, are encamped to each side of the new fort. Putti sit on the bottom border of the print, blowing trumpets bearing the Papal arms on their banners.

The engraved border at the bottom of this print is also present at the bottom of the accompanying letterpress text (RCIN 723033.b), suggesting that the view and text have been cropped before being mounted on paper during Dal Pozzo's time. A description of the action, together with a key to the letters and numbers on the view, is given in the separate text.

See also RCIN 755215 Genuina et vera delineatio Transitus ad Pontem de Lago Scuro apud Padum flu. 1643.