Age of Enlightenment Industrial Revoltion Frontispiece Howard's New Encyclopaedia, or Complete Dictonary of Arts & Sciences Technology 1788

Antique copperplate engraving by George Noble (fl. late 18th/ early 19th) after William Chalmers for George Selby Howard's "The New Royal Encyclopaedia, and Cyclopaedia; or, Complete Modern and Universal Dictionary of Arts and Sciences:On an Entire New and Improved Plan, and Including all the Modern  Improvements and Latest Discoveries on the Various Subjects. Containing a New, Full, Complete, General, Accurate, and Copious Digest and Display of the whole Theory and Practice of the Liberal and Mechanical Arts; &c. "

Published by Alexander Hogg on Laid Paper, Paternoster Row, London c.1788

Condition= Good. incomplete plate mark on left hand side. evidence of past mold that has been cleaned / disinfected 

Size of image= 22.6  x 33cm / 9 x 13.2 inch

Age of the Encyclopedia Volume 1

The Frontispiece to the first volume visually ties together the elements of the Age of Enlightenment and the advances in technology during the Industrial Revolution. It is designed in the spirit of the The Great Exhibitions : Crystal Palace in 1851 to house the wonders of the Victorian ingenuity, a pictorial showcase of the Age of Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution contributions to the world as of 1788: "Explanation. Royalty is represented in this Elegant Frontispiece standing by a Globe and attending to a Person who is giving Instructions in the Science of Astronomy, &c. On the right hand side are Sages skilled in the Mathematics, explaining a Geometrical Problem to a Learner of that Art. On the left side is represented Heraldry. In the middle two persons are making Experiments on the Air Pump. In the background is delineated a variety of Proficients and pupils attending the Studies of Printing, Designing, Fortification, Optics, Measuring, Anatomy, Surgery, Theology, Hydrolics, Hydrostatics, Navigation, Statuary, &c. In the upper part is a Magnificent Building, denoting Architecture, an Engine for raising Weights, &c. In the foreground is a promiscuous Group of Philosophical Instruments respecting different Arts and Sciences as, Music, Coins, Medals, Magic Lantern, Protracter, Caliber, &c. &c."