The set for fireworks commemorating the signing of the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle: elevation and plan. Etching by G. Vertue, 1749.

A Doric monument of three bays, with the name of the king "Georgius II Rex" displayed as a transparency on the cornice, and surmounted by the royal arms. On each side of it is a long arcade with a pavilion at the ends. In the central arch of the monument is a statue of Peace accompanied by Neptune and Mars, all in plaster of Paris. A further approx. 23 statues, designed by Andrea Casali, are placed on the monument, including two statues of the rivers Thames and Isis on the stairways in front of it. Trompe l'oeil paintings representing marble bas reliefs are shown in the upper storey: they were painted on a solid base, but were mechanically removed in the performance and replaced by transparencies of the same subjects. The large central one shows George II giving peace to Britannia. This and other paintings were also designed by Casali. They are accompanied by side-panels by Andien de Clermont. The paintings in the end bays of the monument show Britain joining hands with France and Britain joining hands with Spain: these were designed by Andrea Soldi

Fireworks are shown rising from all parts of the structure. In the centre is a pyrotechnic sun with the words "Vivat rex" in the centre. The music preceding the firework display was composed by G.F. Handel. In addition to the named Italians, the fireworks were supervised by Thomas Desaguliers (chief firemaster at Woolwich 1748-1780)

The Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (Aachen), signed on 18 October 1748 by Great Britain, France, and the Dutch Republic, concluded the War of the Austrian Succession

Londini, Drawn, engrav'd and publish'd 5th. of April 1749, according to Act of Parliament.

1 print : etching ; platemark 41.2 x 55.7 cm

A plan and elevation of the royal fire-works to be performed in St James's Park, April the 27.th 1749, on account of the general peace, signed at Aix la Chapelle, Oct.r 7. MDCCXLVIII.The machine invented and design'd by the chev.r Servandoni. The firework's principally perform'd by the Sign.ri Gaetano Ruggieri, and Giuseppe Sarti of Bolognia. G. Vertue sculp. Londini. ... By order of his Grace the Duke of Montagu Master General, and the Right Hon.ble the L.t General and the rest of the principal officers of his Majesty's Ordnance, and performed by the direction of Charles Frederick Esqr. Comptroller of his Majesty's laboratory at Woolwich Lettering continues with dimensions and statistics: "The height of the machine 114 ft. to the top of His Majesty's arms. Height from the ground to the top of the sun 176 ft. Length of the principal building 144 ft. Whole length of the machine 410 ft. No. of air-balons 97, of sky-rockets from 4 oz. to 6 lb 10650. Jerbes 260. Pots d'aigretts 180. Fountains 160. Pots de brin 12,200. Cascades 21. Wheels 136. Fixed suns 71. Marons in battery 5000. Lances 3700. Serpents 130000. Figured pieces 28. Regulated pieces 21. The grand girandole consists of 6000 lb sky rockets headed with serpents, rains and stars; the whole to conclude with very beautiful illuminations."

A description of the machine for the fireworks, with all its ornaments, and a detail of the manner in which they are to be exhibited in St. James's Park, Thursday, April 27, 1749, on account of the general peace, signed at Aix La Chapelle, October 7, 1748, London: printed by W. Bowyer, sold by R. Dodsley, and M. Cooper, 1749

Wellcome Collection 2970949i