Soldier on Horseback in Catoptric Anamorphosis (after Hendrick Goltzius) 1620 - 1650

This distorted image of a soldier on horseback was made by Jean François Niceron in the 17th century using pen and brown ink, with brown wash on laid paper. But there's more to it than that. Niceron was fascinated by optics and perspective. In this drawing, he uses a technique called anamorphosis. The image appears strangely distorted, but when viewed from a specific angle, or reflected in a curved mirror placed at the center of the arc, the figure of the soldier on horseback resolves into a coherent image. The technique is deeply reliant on mathematical calculation and precise execution. It’s a form of virtuoso craftsmanship, demonstrating not only artistic skill but also scientific understanding. Niceron aimed to astound his viewers, showcasing the power of human intellect to manipulate perception itself. It's a reminder that what we see is not always what is there, and that knowledge, skill, and perspective play vital roles in shaping our understanding of the world.