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.
The Children of John Taylor of Bifrons Park
by John Closterman
oil on canvas, 1696
NPG 5320
probably by Louis Goupy
watercolour and bodycolour on vellum laid down on card, 1720
NPG 1920
by Richard Earlom, after Unknown artist
mezzotint, published 1793
NPG D6930
Related People
- Bridges Taylor (brother)
- John Taylor (brother)
- Margaret Taylor (sister)
- Mary Taylor (sister)
- Nathaniel Taylor (brother)
- Olive Taylor (sister)
- Upton Taylor (brother)
Tell us more back to top
Can you tell us more about this person? Spotted an error, information that is missing (a sitter’s life dates, occupation or family relationships, or a date of portrait for example) or do you know anything that we don't know? If you have information to share please complete the form below.
If you require information from us, please use our Archive enquiry service. You can buy a print of most illustrated portraits. Select the portrait of interest to you, then look out for a Buy a Print button. Prices start at £6 for unframed prints, £25 for framed prints. If you wish to license an image, please use our Rights and Images service.
Please note that we cannot provide valuations.
We digitise over 8,000 portraits a year and we cannot guarantee being able to digitise images that are not already scheduled.