Sztuka graficzna czy zapis wizualny

Abstract

The author of the paper provides a closer look at the question of a peculiar tension between the domain of illustration practiced as a visualization of scientific issues and illustration as a work of graphic arts where the aesthetic values come to the fore. The analysis examines prints produced in traditional woodcut and intaglio printing techniques. The analyzed works illustrate anatomical (Jacques Gautier-D’Agoty, Ferguson’s Astronomy), geographical (Ebstorf Map, Petrus Apianus), and botanical themes (Historia animalium, Conrad Gessner, Pierre Jean François Turpin, Elieser Bloch, Maria Sybilla Merian), as well as those which came into existence influenced by the modern technologies of creation, production, and distribution (Maria Mizzaro, Franco Cianetti). An attempt was made at emphasizing coincidences between selected anatomical visualizations and works of modern art.