NICERON, Jean François (1613-1646) and Marin MERSENNE (1588-1648). La perspective curieuse [and:] L’optique et la catoptrique du R. P. Mersenne. Paris: la veufve F. Langlois, dit Chartres, 1652; 1651.

An attractive first edition of Mersenne's treatise on optics and third edition of Niceron's manual of perspective and anamorphic projection—works "seizing on the potential of geometry to train the visual imagination" (Andrews). Niceron had studied under Mersenne in Paris and then entered the Order of Minims; he was a professor of mathematics at their convent in Rome as well as an artist of some note. As a member of Mersenne's circle, he was acquainted with Fermat, Descartes, and Roberval in France and Cavalieri, Kircher, and others in Rome, who influenced his work. His treatise on perspective was part of a movement towards turning "the invention and execution of new graphic geometries into a fundamental tenet of artisanal education, beginning a trend of learning geometry through visuailzation" (Andrews). It reflects an interest in practical applications of optics associated with what was called "natural magic." In Book IV, Niceron focuses on "constructing an optical device consisting of a polyhedral lens that gathers elements of one figure and unites them into another, totally different figure. The discussion contains perhaps the first published reference to Descartes’ derivation of the law of refraction" (DSB). Marin Mersenne’s treatise on optics and catoptrics, published here for the first time, represents "his final contributions to optics, including experimental studies of visual acuity and binocular vision and a critical discussion of current hypotheses on the nature of light’" (DSB). Both Niceron’s text and Mersenne’s were edited for this publication by Roberval. LeNoble 24; Vagnetti EIIIb27. See Martin Kemp, The Science of Art (1990) and Norm Andrews, The Polyhedrists (2022).

Two parts in one, folio (343 x 230mm). Half title. Engraved additional title and full-page portrait of Niceron, 50 plates, one of which double-page (some toning). Contemporary calf gilt (light wear to caps). Provenance: M.L. Borromeo Arese and Favia del Core (bookplate).