What is Illustration – Definition of the Concept

Definition of

Illustration

Illustration is the action and effect of illustrating (draw, decorate). The term allows to name the drawing, stamp either Recorded that adorns, documents or decorates a book.

For example: “This book has a nice illustration of a unicorn”, “The illustrations of my last novel were made by a French artist”. “I want a book with illustrations of animals to give to my son”.

In this same sense, it must be stated that illustration is a term that is also commonly used to refer to the periodical publication that is usually made up of both text and plates and drawings of various types.

Article Topics

  • Enlightenment as understanding
  • Age of Enlightenment
  • Main references of the Enlightenment
  • Related Topics Tree

Enlightenment as understanding

The verb to illustrate can also be used as a synonym for give light to understanding: “Thanks to the doctor, we are going to educate ourselves on epidemiology”, “I am going to enlighten you on the matter through this lecture”.

This use of the concept is related to the Illustration as a philosophical movement that arose in the century XVIII and was characterized by highlighting the predominance of reason. Enlightenment is the name given to this movement and the time in which it developed.

It can help you: Epidemiology

Age of Enlightenment

This historical stage was also called the Age of Enlightenment, which, in addition to the aforementioned hallmarks, opted for having another series of essential characteristics such as hypercriticism, imitation, universalism and idealism.

Enlightenment thinkers believed that ignorance and superstition could be combated through human reason. Reason would also help end tyrannies and build a better world.

The leaders of the movement felt chosen to educate the people and lead the people towards a new type of society. The Enlightenment held that the Old Regime and absolutism in general were based on the ignorance of the population to establish dominance.

See also: Superstition

Main references of the Enlightenment

Among the most important figures of that period we should highlight, for example, Montesquieu. This is a politician and thinker who was one of the fathers of the establishment of the theory of the separation of powers, which became one of the fundamental pillars of the modern Rule of Law.

Rousseau, who developed important republican theories, or Voltaire, manifestly against fanaticism and intolerance, were two other of the most important and fundamental figures within the Enlightenment movement.

One of the main consequences of the development of the Enlightenment was the change that occurred within society. Specifically, this period was establishing the end of the so-called estate society and the appearance of the bourgeoisie took place. An estate that will manage to gain more and more prominence at all levels. So much so that he will occupy important positions at the political level to the detriment of the reigning and dominant aristocracy until that very moment.

It should be noted that the movement was anthropocentric (considers the human being as the center of actions), rationalist (reality is limited to sensible experience) and pragmatic (the useful is the only valid).

Follow on: Dominant trait