The New Fortification

An elaborate architectural frontispiece. At the top, a seated female personification of Victory or Minerva wears a plumed helmet, holding a small winged figure of Nike in her right hand and a laurel wreath in her left. She is flanked by piles of military trophies, including spears, banners, shields, and armor. In the center, the title text is enclosed within a laurel wreath. To the left of the title is a niche containing Mercury with his caduceus and winged hat. To the right is a niche containing Hercules with his lion skin and club. At the bottom, a detailed bird's-eye view of a star-shaped fortification Known as a "trace italienne," this style of fortification used low, thick walls and bastions to defend against gunpowder artillery. surrounding a city with a central fountain.