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John Babington, Pyrotechnia

John Droeshout

1635

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Baroque

Dominant colour

John Babington, Pyrotechnia is a 1635 ink by John Droeshout, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: John Droeshout
When & what style?: 1635 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This print shows a man in a dark coat and ruffled collar, looking serious. Around him are odd machines and strange fireworks displays, all drawn in black lines. The top has a fancy arch with text about "Pyrotechnia," and the sides show wheels, rockets, and people launching fireworks. The man’s name is John Babington, and the whole thing is a book cover for his fireworks guide. The tiny details—like the gears and flames—look like they were carved carefully into metal. Next, check out how this was made using engraving.