The Various and Ingenious Machines

This elaborate engraved architectural frame contains a central portrait of Agostino Ramelli. The portrait shows Ramelli as a bearded man wearing a richly embroidered doublet. He is presented as a military engineer. His right hand uses a pair of dividers to measure a plan of a fortification or city layout. His left hand rests upon a closed visored helmet. The ornate frame includes several symbolic elements. At the top, the goddess Minerva stands on a pile of geometric solids like cubes and pyramids. She is identified by her helmet, spear, and shield. Two winged figures representing Fame or Victory hold laurel wreaths toward her. Flanking the portrait are two figures in niches. On the left is a woman in classical dress holding a spear. On the right is a man in Roman military armor holding a shield. The base features a central lion's head, floral decorations, and scrollwork. Two reclining figures rest at the bottom corners. A small monogram for the engraver, Leonard Gaultier, is visible at the very bottom center.

original: "AVGVSTINVS DE RAMELLIS DE MASANZANA"; Masanzana refers to the family estate near the author's birthplace of Ponte Tresa.

original: "ÆTATIS SVÆ ANNO.LVII"; this indicates the portrait was created when Ramelli was 57 years old, coinciding with the publication of this work in 1588.