In 1731, a bridge heralded as the largest structure of its
time was completed over the Elbe at Dresden. To celebrate the event,
Schramm wrote this book about it and other great bridges of the world. One
arch of the completed Dresden Bridge is shown framing this allegorical
engraving on bridge building. Surrounding the shield in the center of the
arch are all of the hand tools used in bridge building, including mason's
trowels, compasses, drills, and various saws, axes, and hammers. A bridge
under construction is seen through the arch, with a floating pile driver
in use to drive piles into the firm riverbed. Workmen at various tasks
along the riverbank are shaping timbers, cutting stone, and draining water
with a water screw.
On the right Minerva, patroness of arts and crafts and a
goddess of wisdom and skill, holds a leveling instrument aloft and a
drawing board and compass in her lap. Building a bridge successfully, her
presence suggests, requires both skill and intelligence, and perhaps even
divine assistance.
