Death of Turenne at the Battle of Salzbach, 1675

This period print depicts the death of the Viscount of Turenne, killed instantly by a cannonball on 27 July 1675 near Salzbach, in Alsace, while inspecting enemy lines. Regarded as the greatest captain of his time, Turenne had notably forced the crossing of the Rhine in 1672 alongside the king. His imperial adversary, Raimondo Montecuccoli, reportedly declared upon hearing of his death: "Today died a man who did honour to humanity" — a rare tribute from an enemy.