Design of fireworks: the rocket in its propelling capsule 1650 - 1750

This 17th or 18th-century anonymous drawing from the Metropolitan Museum of Art depicts a detailed design for a firework, "the rocket in its propelling capsule." The drawing, rendered in pen and ink, showcases a cross-section of a firework, revealing its internal structure. This precise and technical drawing demonstrates the careful craftsmanship and scientific understanding required to create such an intricate display. Fireworks, particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries, held cultural and symbolic significance, often used for celebrations and spectacles.