Jan en Petrus Schenk - Theatrum Machinarum Universale: verzameling Waterwerken, Schutsluizen, Waterkeringen, Ophaal- en - 1757

Rare and historically important work on civil engineering, locks, and Dutch waterworks
Special: Werste and the second part together in one authentic volume, entirely complete!
The book measures 55 x 35 cm, open 70 cm. All engravings are page-sized, some even larger: 94 cm wide

Title:
Theatrum Machinarum Universale; or a neat collection of various large and very fine Waterworks, Sluice Gates, Water Defenses, Lifting- and Swing-bridges

Author: Jacob Polley (City Architect and Director of the Saw Mills at Zierikzee)
Engraver & Publisher: Jan Schenk / Petrus Schenk (Amsterdam)
Year: 1757

Contains the complete set of accompanying plates from both parts (25 plates from part 1 + 24 plates from part 2) and 6 rare extra plates bound in at the back (total 55 splendid large copper engravings).

Quality of the engravings: The prints are exceptionally sharp, clear, and detailed. All plates are in undamaged condition, which is particularly rare for fold-out engravings from this period.

Binding: It is housed in the authentic binding (marbled paper/cardboard). The binding shows appropriate and characteristic signs of aging (some wear to the edges/corners and spine), giving the book its authentic 18th-century appearance.

Inside: The paper is sturdy and the engraving work has been excellently preserved.

Author/Illustrator
Jacob Polley & Jan Schenk

Rare and historically important work on civil engineering, sluices, and Dutch waterworks.

Both parts form part of a remarkably detailed collection of construction drawings at scale (plans, sections, elevations, perspective drawings, etc., including many detailed drawings of individual components) of 18th-century Dutch waterworks, accompanied by the corresponding descriptions and explanations.

The collection includes, among other things, sluices, bridges, pumps, piles, an icebreaker, and an advanced water mill. Most plates depict existing works, and the accompanying text on the engravings contains historical information in places. The drawings are so detailed and give such a clear view of how the mechanisms operate that they could be used to reconstruct the works depicted.

A fine copy that provides a splendid glimpse into Dutch hydraulic engineering. With two title pages in red and black, both featuring the same engraved allegorical vignette; a two-page, continuous, engraved frontispiece (with two large carts bearing the coats of arms of the Beemster polder and of the nine members of the water board)