Geometry
illustrations
explanations
military
I have the book Neü-herfürgegebene Kriegs-Architectur by Christoff Heidemann the concept word geometry superordinate, because this is for me with the most important point in the whole book. Already on the first page this becomes apparent by means of a picture. Two angels hold a cloth with the inscription of the book „In zugehörige Figuren samt schriftlicher Erklärung der selben, verfasst durch Christoff Heidemann, Churfürst durchlauchtigsten in Bayern bestellten Ingenieuren. Anno: 1673“. In front of it are two men, I suppose two fighters who seem to be talking about a plan with a geometric from. In the hands of the angels and on the ground are compasses, rulers and other geometric tools. The picture and thus the plan get with the angels already a strong weighting at the beginning and let the content of the book already adumbrate.
The book deals with military architecture, more precisely with fortifications which should be strengthened with new techniques and be safer than before. In the explanations at the beginning, one learns about the shapes, masses and angles of the fortress. With the reference to the exact drawings at the end, this is also just illustrated. One learns mainly through the drawings, but also through the text, that it is about the principle of flanking and creation of the polygonal bastion. I guess Christoph Heidemann shows different variants, all of them being quite low and having a moat around the wall. The drawings are a geometric eye-catcher, as they are drawn very accurately and truthfully. The architecture is the military architecture, and here it must primarily fulfill the function of defense. However, due to the elegant shape of the polygon, the fortress still looks fine and makes a nice pattern. If you imagine these inherently beautiful geometric shapes now in huge dimensions, they certainly seemed very intimidating and offers a lot of protection.
On the first few pages, one learns that the book was addressed to Prince Maximillian II. Emanuel. He was a Wittensbach native and Elector of Bavaria. He made a name for himself as a general in imperial service during the Great Turkish War. With this prior knowledge, one understands why the book is addressed to him. The fact that Maximillian II. Emanuel was only 11 years old when the book was published makes me wonder. I assume, however, that thanks to his noble family, it was already clear that he would become Prince.