Leonardo da Vinci believed that to depict the physical world accurately one must first understand its underlying processes. Driven by the need to explain new concepts and enlighten the public, art and science combined to form an enduring relationship during the Renaissance, creating artwork that was not only beautiful to behold but also informative in its content.
Today, National Geographic Society artists continue in this tradition, employing contemporary illustrative techniques to enlighten readers of Society publications. Throughout the Society's publishing history, beginning with the magazine's first issue in 1888, diagrams have played a key role -- explaining the hows and whys of the world. Inside/Out draws from this vast collection, showcasing a selection of the best diagrams and cutaways from the last 30 years.
Lavishly illustrated, the volume is divided into three sections:
"Beneath the Surface," which features cutaways that slice away exterior layers to reveal the hidden structure of objects -- from the Vatican's St. Peter's Basilica to the center of the earth.
"How Things Work," which displays the diagrammatic techniques used to explain technology and complex processes -- from Henry Ford's Model T assembly line to how the human brain works.
"Unseen Worlds," which showcases creations that transcend time and space to illustrate subjects that we can only imagine -- from the birth of a star to the inner workings of the eye.
Each section features a behind-the-scenes look at the immense task of creating these highly accurate and beautifully rendered illustrations -- from research to sketches to final art.
Much has changed in the last 500 years, but like Leonardo da Vinci, National Geographic artists still search beyond first impressions for the hidden truths to create wonderful illustrations that teach us how the world works.
