Jean II Maritz: The Silent Revolution of Cannonmaking The name Jean II Maritz might not resonate with the general public, yet his contributions to the technological landscape of 18th-century Europe were nothing short of revolutionary. Born in Berne, Switzerland, around 1680 – a time of burgeoning scientific inquiry and military innovation – Maritz wasn’t a painter or sculptor, but rather a brilliant mechanic whose meticulous inventions fundamentally altered the way cannons were produced. His story is one of quiet ingenuity, strategic placement within a complex political landscape, and ultim…