Zonnestelsel volgens Leonhard Euler Possibly 1792

Jan Brandes made this drawing of the solar system, according to Leonhard Euler, in the late 18th century. It's made with ink on paper, using techniques of drafting and calligraphy. The drawing reflects the worldview of its time, but also reveals the labor involved in producing knowledge. Each line, each annotation, is carefully rendered by hand, demanding skill, time, and patience. The act of copying and illustrating Euler's theories embodies a form of craftsmanship, where understanding is demonstrated through meticulous reproduction. Consider the social context: Brandes, an artist working during the Enlightenment, engages with scientific ideas, translating them into a visual format. The drawing becomes a testament to the era's pursuit of knowledge, blending artistic skill with scientific inquiry. It challenges the hierarchy between art and craft, showing how both contribute to disseminating and interpreting complex concepts. By appreciating the materiality and making of this drawing, we recognize the interconnectedness of art, science, and society.