Plate 1. Frontispiece

This plate is composed of a combination of various architectural ornaments, the arrangement of which can be more clearly understood by referring to the small scale plan given at the bottom of the plate. Thus, in the center we find a Roman Altar, on the plinths of which are indicated the emblems of architecture, painting, and sculpture. In the upper arch from out of rich volute-ornamentation and recognizable by the helmet and Ægis arises the bust of the art-protecting Goddess, Minerva. Under this, sitting on a festoon of fruit, is an owl, as an attribute to Minerva. The caryatides, border, friezes and the ornamentation will be referred to at a later time. The wreaths in the corners encircle the names of the most noted architects of ancient times.