Pyrotechnia

1635

John Droeshout

Associated Names
John Droeshout

Artist, English, 1596 - 1652

This is a cover page design for a book about pyrotechnics. The image features elements associated with pyrotechnic displays and mechanical devices. At the center is a title block announcing the book as "Pyrotechnia Or a Discourse of artificial Fireworks for Pleasure." Surrounding the text block are various illustrations: scenes of castles, knights, serpents, and a dragon entwined with fireworks or flames at the top, and mechanical devices in the corners and gaps, including a geared mechanism, a sundial, and other technical apparatuses. At the bottom center, there is a portrait of a man in period attire, likely the author, John Babington, with an inscription surrounding it.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 26.6 × 17.5 cm (10 1/2 × 6 7/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1951.11.276


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Lessing J. Rosenwald [1891 - 1979], Philadelphia, (L.1932d); gift to NGA, 1951.

Associated Names

Wikidata ID

Q65360216

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