The emphasis placed on close observation and precise measurement by the course this week fits well into the idea that visual arts build skills that help in the sciences. Despite the course not drawing those connections itself, it's implied that Natural History Illustrators have a fascination with the world around them very similarly to the way that scientific researchers do. I think that the general overlap of interests is what leads great Polymaths like Leonardo da Vinci to pursue different outlets for their curiosity in the arts and sciences.
I wonder if there are any other similarities between artists and scientists besides curiosity and wanting to document the natural world? Clearly, both require a variety of technical skill and attention to detail, but are there any other areas where the two fields overlap?
Have you looked at the work of someone like Darwin?
ReplyDeleteDefinitely.
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