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Description: This print originates from a rare, monumental and valuable book: 'Le diverse et artificiose machine del Capitano Agostino Ramelli', Paris, 1588. This interesting book ('one of the most elegantly produced of all technological treatises') is a series of engravings of various machines devised by the engineer Agostino Ramelli. Born in southern Switzerland, Ramelli served in the French army during the Wars of Religion (1562-98) and proved himself a competent engineer during the 1572 siege of La Rochelle which brought him to the attention of the future King Henri III (reigned 1574-89). In 1588, Ramelli published this book, written in Latin, French and Italian which provides detailed images of both civic and military machines. More than half of the volume consists of engravings of pumping machines and water mills, while another large section is devoted to ingenious siege engines. It is unknown how many of these proposals were actually used; some are recognisable today, particularly the use of pistons to raise water from one level to another, but others appear too complex and seem to indicate that Ramelli produced this work to demonstrate his knowledge of mechanics rather than to serve as a guide to the practical uses of technology. The book was of great technological importance. References for the book: Adams R-52; Brunet IV, 1095; Heralds of Science 173; Harvard/Mortimer French 452; Norman 1777; Riccardi I, 341.
Artists and Engravers: Made by Ambroise Bachot after Agostino Ramelli. Agostino Ramelli (c. 1531-c.1610) was an Italian military engineer. He got trained in mathematics and military engineering while serving the Italian warlord Gian Giacomo de Medici. Ambroise Bachot was an apprentice and assistant to Ramelli. They later parted ways. As Bachot's later engravings are very similar to the engravings in this work it is now assumed Bachot engraved the plates after Ramelli's designs.
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Subject: Antique print, titled: 'CLXXIII Queste due sorti di machine sono molto commode per tirar', Two machines, together used for loading a ship from the quayside. The first machine (at the top) uses pulleys and interlocking gears to facilitate the lifting of heavy boxes. The second machine is a hauling device, to transport heavy crates through a system of pulleys and interlocking gears.
Condition: Very good, given age. Margin a little soiled from handling General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.
Size (in cm): The overall size is ca. 17.8 x 27.3 cm. The image size is ca. 14.9 x 21.3 cm.
Size (in inch): The overall size is ca. 7 x 10.7 inch. The image size is ca. 5.9 x 8.4 inch.
Medium: Engraving on hand laid (verge) paper.
Location: TPCLA-C1-13
SKU: LM 45309.1
Section: LATPC-RAMELLI-ARTIFICIOSE
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