Plan of Ochakov, 1737 (Ochakiv, Mykolayivs'ka Oblast, Ukraine) 46°36'46"N 31°32'59"E

A plan of the unsuccessful Turkish siege of Russian-held Ochakov in October 1737. Russo-Turkish War (1735-9). Oriented with north-north-west to top (compass rose).

The attribution to O.C. de Marin is made on stylistic grounds. The Russian army had successfully besieged Ochakov in July 1737 taking possession of the fortress. This plan shows the actions a few months later, when the Turks failed in their attempt to retake the fortress. The Turkish siege began on 15 October and was abandoned during the night of 29-30 October.

The new entrenchments built during the siege at the south-western point of the peninsula, where the Russian fleet is gathered, are shown, together with the new lines surrounding the fortified town. This is a finely-finished drawing over which much time has been taken to achieve an artistic effect. The sandy ground of the peninsula is represented by ink stippling which appears to have been individually applied by pen rather than by brush. The fine red ink lines which lead from the main fortifications to the outside and end in small red ‘spots’ represent the galleries leading from the upper ditches to the mines which were laid on the outside.

Additional text: [top right, in a cartouche representing a trompe l'oeil torn sheet of paper, a key, A-I, K-T, to the significant Russian military features, and, a-i, k-p, to the Turkish military works:] Renvoy.

Condition: one fold line.