Optics in Art

Optics: The scientific study of sight and the behavior of light, or the properties of transmission and deflection of other forms of radiation. (1)

There were many major developments made during the early modern period in Europe. One area of major development was in the field of optics. Scholars like Leonardo da Vinci and Matteo Zaccolini studied optics and made critical discoveries that laid the groundwork for generations of research and advancements to come. With these developments came the implementation of this newfound knowledge into art, specifically painting. Many painters used their knowledge of optics and made use of optic instruments to enhance their paintings and make them more realistic. This caused a shift in the style of painting toward naturalism. This exhibition focuses on two major treatises from the early modern period in Europe and the effect they had on the world of art. 

Citations:

1. "Dictionary.com." Dictionary.com. Accessed May 1, 2018. http://www.dictionary.com/.