An elaborate 17th century architectural frontispiece engraving. At the very top, two putti sit on an ornate ledge. The left one looks through a telescope at a central coat of arms showing a three tiered fountain. The right one blows bubbles from a pipe. Two large, scaly sea monsters or dolphins spout water on either side. Below this, a curved banner inside an arch holds the title New Curious Architecture.

In the center, an allegorical female figure representing Architecture sits on a throne made of stone blocks and tools. She wears a crown and a necklace. She holds a compass over architectural plans. To her left and right are niches with ornate fountains spouting water into basins.

The entire scene rests on a large cylindrical pedestal. This pedestal contains the title and publication details. It is flanked by two decorative scrolls containing Latin verses. In the bottom left corner, the engraver’s signature reads: Abraham Aubry made this.

NEW CURIOUS ARCHITECTURE.

original: "Saxo profiliens"

original: "humecto diluo, poto"

WATER CONVEYANCE

Hydragogic: the art of leading or conveying water through pipes or channels for use in fountains and machinery.

original: "Omnia vivifico"

original: "nonvisus ubiq, pererro"