Brook Taylor
(1685-1731), MathematicianEarly Georgian Portraits Catalogue Entry
Sitter in 3 portraits
Brook Taylor was a mathematician who wrote on the mathematical theory of perspective, giving the first general statement of vanishing points, as well as on magnetism, capillary actions, thermometers and calculus. He invented the method for expanding functions in terms of polynomials about an arbitrary point known as Taylor series, which he published his chief mathematical work, Methodus Incrementorum Directa et Inversa, in 1715. His book Linear Perspective also appeared in 1715. Although the formal mathematical style made it inaccessible to most artists, the work influenced later writers on the subject and it holds a prominent place in the history of perspective.
Related People
- Bridges Taylor (brother)
- John Taylor (brother)
- Margaret Taylor (sister)
- Mary Taylor (sister)
- Nathaniel Taylor (brother)
- Olive Taylor (sister)
- Upton Taylor (brother)
Comments back to top
We are currently unable to accept new comments, but any past comments are available to read below.
If you need information from us, please use our Archive enquiry service . Please note that we cannot provide valuations. You can buy a print or greeting card of most illustrated portraits. Select the portrait of interest to you, then look out for a Buy a Print button. Prices start at around £6 for unframed prints, £16 for framed prints. If you wish to license an image, select the portrait of interest to you, then look out for a Use this image button, or contact our Rights and Images service. We digitise over 8,000 portraits a year and we cannot guarantee being able to digitise images that are not already scheduled.