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  • We acquired this object.

-0001

2014

2025

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Book Illustration, La perspective curieuse, ou, magie artificielle des effets merueilleux: de l'optique . . . , la catoptrique . . . , la dioptrique . . . (The curious perspective or the artificial magic in optical distortions . . . of optics, . . . catoptics and . . . dioptics . . .); plate 8

This is a book illustration. It was created by Pierre Daret and written by Jean François Nicéron and published by Chez Pierre Billiane. It is dated 1638. Its medium is engraving on paper. It is a part of the Smithsonian Libraries department.

Nicéron was a mathematician, monk and artist. His famous book, The Curious Perspective, is his treatise on the practical applications of perspective. The plates from this book underline the intricate link between art and the fields of optics, geometry, and mathematics. Plate 8 specifically depicts the geometric properties of the shapes and how the angles and facades would be perceived.

It is credited Collection of Smithsonian Institution Libraries.

Its dimensions are

H x W: 30.3 × 20.5 cm (11 15/16 × 8 1/16 in.)

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<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/68775919/ |title=Book Illustration, La perspective curieuse, ou, magie artificielle des effets merueilleux: de l'optique . . . , la catoptrique . . . , la dioptrique . . . (The curious perspective or the artificial magic in optical distortions . . . of optics, . . . catoptics and . . . dioptics . . .); plate 8 |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=6 February 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>