Photo: Taschen
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info.
Science and art have walked hand in hand for centuries and nothing shows this better than a new book published by Taschen. Across more than 400 pages, historic science illustrations are laid out in a beautiful coffee table book by Anna Escardó and Julius Wiedemann. Science Illustration. A History of Visual Knowledge from the 15th Century to Today is a look at some of science’s greatest discoveries, as shown by the artists who bring these concepts to life.
More than 700 scientists and 300 discoveries in anatomy, physics, chemistry, and mechanics are covered. Whether it’s exploring Galileo‘s watercolors of the Moon or Einstein’s scribbles about his theory of relativity, the book is also a walk through the history of modern science. Each illustration is accompanied by detailed text that explains the significance of the image, which puts the visual into its proper context.
The magnificent work is perfect for anyone who is curious about the world and looking to discover a bit more about how it works. Divided chronologically into chapters, the book is also a fascinating look at how scientific illustration has grown and developed since the 15th century.
Science Illustration. A History of Visual Knowledge from the 15th Century to Today is available online and at all major retailers.
A new book published by Taschen celebrates the art of science illustration.
Photo: Taschen
Spectra of the stars and nebulae, Spectrum Analysis, Henry E. Roscoe, London, 1885. (Photo: Smithsonian Libraries, Washington, D.C.)
Over 300 illustrations trace the history of modern science.
Application of anesthesia, Illustrations of Strange Diseases and Their Surgical Treatments, Hanaoka Seishū, 1805; illustrated by Tangetsu. (Photo: US National Library of Medicine)
Montgolfier balloon carrying the Marquis d’Arlandes and M. Pilatre de Rozier, Paris, 1783 (Photo: Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, Tissandier Collection)
Science Illustration. A History of Visual Knowledge from the 15th Century to Today is available online and at all major retailers.
Related Articles:
Download Over 150,000 Illustrations of Flora and Fauna for Free
What is Botanical Illustration? Learn About the History of This Scientific Art Form
19th Century Biologist’s Illustrations of Microbes Bring Art and Science Together
20th Century Illustrations Reveal the Mysterious Creatures Living in the Deep Sea