Topic > Artist-Engineers in the Renaissance - 1654

Over the years, developments in science and technology can be seen. The advancement of science and technology has made life better, simpler and more efficient. Let's take computers, as an example. In the old days, computers were as big as a room and were not comfortable to use because the computer screen can harm your eyes. In contrast, computers today are as small as our palm and have a better screen. Unlike computers of the past, which were slow and had limited functionality, today's computers are fast and have all the features an individual needs for his daily life. Technology is still being developed to improve the life of every living creature on Earth. However, such developments will not happen without the contributions of the people of the past, especially individuals during the Renaissance, which is the period when intellect and artistic achievements were recognized. The quote mentioned above applies to the artist-engineers during the Renaissance, who had spent much of their lives doing research, experiments and observations, in order to improve human knowledge. They did not aim for fame and money while carrying out their project. Their main goal was to provide observation-based information and machines that would help humanity. Such artist engineers include Paolo Toscanelli, Filippo Brunelleschi, Leone Battista Alberti, Galileo Galilei and others. Their ideas, inventions and discoveries have been widely used in fields such as science, mathematics, music, arts and others. Paolo Toscanelli, Florentine astronomer and cosmographer, for example. Without his observations of the altitude of the Sun in different seasons, to estimate how large the other continents were, he will not be able to create a map that could help Christopher Columbus, a young traveler, in his expedition, and support the idea of Marco Polo that the Earth is round. There would be no Google Map, nor GPS (Global Positioning System). Furthermore, without Filippo Brunelleschi's winch, humans would not be able to construct skyscrapers and other buildings ii. Individuals, nowadays, will not be able to see 3D animated films and other graphics without Brunelleschi and Leone Battista Alberti's principle of linear perspective. Alberti's book also helped civil engineers and architects in the construction of roads and buildings. These artist engineers have contributed greatly to improving the way of life of human beings, but one artist engineer has had a great impact not only in the scientific community, but also in the entire world.