Vision, eye disease, and art: 2015 Keeler Lecture.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology and Art History
• Visual Perception and Artistic Expression

Background:

• Vision is a fundamental tool for artists, with its characteristics influencing artistic creation.
• The retina's processing of contrast and light adaptation are foundational to visual art, seen from ancient techniques to modern Op Art.
• Artists exploit the complexities of color processing for effects like shimmer or disconnecting color from form.

Discussion:

• While diagnosing eye conditions from artwork is speculative, documented cases offer valuable analysis.
• Color blindness in artists leads to restricted palettes (e.g., ambers and blues).
• Conditions like cataracts and declining vision demonstrably impacted artists' use of color and texture, as seen in Monet and Degas.

Key Insights:

• Retinal contrast coding influences art history, from brush painting to chiaroscuro.
• Light adaptation by the retina enables the portrayal of day and night in art.
• Exploitation of color processing by artists creates distinct visual effects.

Outlook:

• Further research can illuminate the interplay between ophthalmology and art.
• Understanding visual perception enhances appreciation for both artistic endeavors and eye science.