Cartesius Collection

Rene Descartes, English philosopher and writer. Copperplate engraving by Joshua Collyer from The Copper Plate Magazine
FLO4608023 Rene Descartes, English philosopher and writer. Copperplate engraving by Joshua Collyer from The Copper Plate Magazine or Monthly Treasure, G

Refraction of rays inside the human eye, from Dioptrique by Descartes, 1637 (engraving)
CUL4935125 Refraction of rays inside the human eye, from Dioptrique by Descartes, 1637 (engraving); (add.info.: DESCARTES, Rene (1596-1650)

Rene Descartes (1596-1650) French philosopher and scientist, engraving
1747226 Rene Descartes (1596-1650) French philosopher and scientist, engraving; (add.info.: Rene Descartes (1596-1650) French philosopher and scientist, engraving); Photo: Tallandier

Portrait of Rene Descartes (1596-1650), French mathematician, philosopher
JEB4866512 Portrait of Rene Descartes (1596-1650), French mathematician, philosopher and physicist - Engraving published in the book "Les lettres de Madame de sevigne

Treatise on Man, work of 1633. Xylography
AIS5331519 Treatise on Man, work of 1633. Xylography.; Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris, France; Photo © JBP/AIC

Principia philosophiae. Principles of Philosophy. Title page. (print)
7419861 Principia philosophiae. Principles of Philosophy. Title page. (print); (add.info.: Title page of a 1692 edition of French philosopher Rene Descarte's Principia philosophiae or Principles)

Bust of Rene Descartes (1596-1650) French physicist and philosopher - Sculpture by Augustin Pajou (1730-1809)
JEB4945014 Bust of Rene Descartes (1596-1650) French physicist and philosopher - Sculpture by Augustin Pajou (1730-1809) - Galerie des Hommes illustres Chateau de Versailles; (add.info)

Portrait of Rene Descartes (1596-1650)
XEE5027328 Portrait of Rene Descartes (1596-1650); (add.info.: Portrait of Rene Descartes (1596-1650)); Stefano Bianchetti

Portrait of the philosopher ReneDescartes (1596-1650). Creator: Anonymous
Portrait of the philosopher Rene Descartes (1596-1650). Found in the collection of Musee Carnavalet, Paris

Rene Descartes, french physicist, mathematician, philosopher. 1865 (engraving)
6947901 Rene Descartes, french physicist, mathematician, philosopher. 1865 (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Rene Descartes (1596-1650), french physicist

Rene Descartes (colour engraving)
1730978 Rene Descartes (colour engraving) by French School; (add.info.: Rene Descartes (1596-1660) french mathematician and philosopher, engraving)

Descartes defendant sa vie menacee par des bateliers hollandais (engraving)
7179205 Descartes defendant sa vie menacee par des bateliers hollandais (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Page from "Les meteores"by Rene Descartes (1596-1650)
AIS5349544 Page from " Les meteores" by Rene Descartes (1596-1650), 1637 (printed monograph) by French School, (17th century); Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris

Portrait of the philosopher Rene Descartes (1596-1650), ca 1820. Creator: Tardieu
Portrait of the philosopher Rene Descartes (1596-1650), ca 1820. Private Collection

Rene Descartes, 1596 - 1650. French philosopher, mathematician, and scientist

Rene Descartes (1596-1650). French philosopher. Engraving by Rousseau. Colored

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"Cartesius: Unveiling the Brilliance of Rene Descartes" Step into the world of intellectual enlightenment with Rene Descartes, a renowned French physicist, mathematician, and philosopher. Born in 1596, his profound contributions continue to shape our understanding of science and philosophy. Through captivating engravings from different eras, we catch glimpses of Descartes' remarkable life. In an engraving dating back to 1865, we see a portrait capturing his essence as a thinker who challenged conventional wisdom. An anonymous artist skillfully portrays him with an air of curiosity and determination. Another engraving showcases Descartes defending his life against Dutch boatmen who threatened him. This incident highlights the courage he possessed in pursuing truth despite facing opposition. Delving deeper into his work, we explore pages from "Les meteores, " where Descartes explores meteorology—a testament to his multidisciplinary approach. His insatiable thirst for knowledge led him to unravel mysteries beyond mathematics and philosophy. In various portraits spanning centuries, artists attempt to encapsulate the essence of this extraordinary mind. A color engraving from around 1820 captures his penetrating gaze and intellectual intensity that left an indelible mark on humanity's collective consciousness. Descartes' legacy extends far beyond mere academic pursuits; he revolutionized scientific thinking by introducing Cartesian coordinates—a fundamental tool still used today. His philosophical masterpiece "Meditations on First Philosophy" laid the groundwork for modern skepticism and rationalism. As we reflect upon the life and accomplishments of Rene Descartes through these engravings, it becomes evident why he remains an influential figure even after four centuries. His relentless pursuit of truth continues to inspire generations worldwide—reminding us that curiosity coupled with rigorous inquiry can unlock new realms of knowledge. Let Cartesius be forever etched in our minds as a symbol of intellectual brilliance—an embodiment of how one individual's ideas can shape the course of history.