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Brook Taylor

(1685-1731), Mathematician

Early 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.

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The Children of John Taylor of Bifrons Park, by John Closterman - NPG 5320

The Children of John Taylor of Bifrons Park

by John Closterman
oil on canvas, 1696
NPG 5320

Brook Taylor, probably by Louis Goupy - NPG 1920

Brook Taylor

probably by Louis Goupy
watercolour and bodycolour on vellum laid down on card, 1720
On display in the Room 13 miniature case at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG 1920

Brook Taylor, by Richard Earlom, after Unknown artist - NPG D6930

Brook Taylor

by Richard Earlom, after Unknown artist
mezzotint, published 1793
NPG D6930

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