The Taking of the Château de Joux

The Château de Joux overhangs the major international road and trade route that has connected Italy to the Jura, Burgundy, Flanders and Champagne regions since the days of the Roman Empire. Symbol of a thousand years of evolution in the history of fortification, the Château de Joux has witnessed the great European conflicts: the passage of Charles the Bold in 1476, occupation during the 30 Years War in 1639, and surrender during the French conquest of Franche-Comt� in 1674.

The battle depicted in the painting was fought by Jacques-Henri de Durfort, the Duc de Duras (1625-1704), marshal of France, who is thought to be identifiable with the man on horseback in the red coat in the front left. He played a major part in the conquest of Franche-Comt�, and was named by Louis XIV governor of that province and marshal in 1675.