ARTICLE SUMMARY: “More Lively Counterfaits” by Gregorio Astengo is a look into the dawn of design and the early development of techniques for scientists to visually communicate their research to other scientists and the public. These illustrations are considered the forerunners to todays infographics and digital renders.
In the 1600s the problem of getting scientific discoveries to their peers and public was expensive, it was laborious, time-consuming and often a problematic operation because of the negotiations with draughtsmen, engravers and printers that had to be dealt with.
From what may be considered the first standardized color pallet, Richard Waller’s Table of physiological colors, to the new techniques of that time period, to mass produce results of scientific findings, this article covers all their problems and solutions.
My summation of this article does not do it justice. If you are into design history and how design and illustration has developed from the early days, this article is a must read to be really appreciated.
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