An illustration is a image that sends a message, which intends to inform, explain or assist in understanding something. Illustrations can accompany texts or can be images that, by themselves, fulfill the function of communicating.
Children's books and teaching materials are examples of materials that often have text and illustrations. In these cases, the illustrations are intended to help understand the content or construct meanings.
The illustrations are also on book covers, magazines, movie posters and plays. An illustration is not necessarily a design, can be one Photograph, one collage, one painting.
Difference between illustration and drawing
Although they are often used interchangeably, illustration and drawing are different concepts. The essential difference between these two terms is that the illustration plays a role, the design does not need to have a purpose.
A drawing is a freer manifestation, it can be done just for fun and not intended to convey a message. A drawing, therefore, is not necessarily an illustration.
But the drawing can be an illustration if its function is to convey an idea or thought. A drawing on the cover of a book, for example, is an illustration, as it is usually intended to communicate some message related to the content of the text.
Cover of the book 1984 by George Orwell, with illustration.
The illustration in human communication
Human beings use illustrations to assist in their communication since the prehistory, even before the development of writing. Just remember the cave paintings made in stones with natural pigments.
Although the meanings of these ancient manifestations are not proven, it is believed that the drawings sought to convey a message, express values, beliefs and portray the daily lives of these peoples.
See the meaning of rock art.
Cave paintings in the Serra da Capivara National Park, in Piauí.
One of the first illustrations in manuscripts that have been recorded is the book of the dead, a collection of records made by the Egyptians between the 15th and 10th centuries BC. Ç.
These manuscripts described procedures that should be followed after death to ward off dangers and ease the dead man's path to paradise. There were people specially appointed to do the illustrations for these manuscripts.
Section of the Book of the Dead, 1040 - 945 a. Ç.
Since then, man has never stopped using images, paintings or drawings to tell stories, describe situations in different times and spaces, express feelings and provoke reflection.
Today, illustrations are everywhere: in books, magazines, advertisements, paintings, graffiti, etc. And with design technologies and programs, creating images for communication has become even easier and present in our daily lives.
know more about graphite.
The Role of the Illustrator
The illustrator is the one who will create images, drawings, paintings or any graphic representations who seek to convey a message, tell a story or contribute to the construction of Meanings.
The role of the illustrator can be understood as a bridge between the reader and the message being conveyed. An illustration can be built from texts, music, images and serves to contribute to the interpretation and understanding of what is intended to convey.
Illustrations can give life, provoke reflections and provide a understanding deeper theme.
Illustration and the Enlightenment
The word illustration originates from the Latin word "illustris", which means to shine, to illuminate. Now, when an illustration contributes to the expression of a message, it is clarifying thought, illuminating understanding.
The concept of the illustration influenced the choice of the name Enlightenment to intellectual movement that took place in Europe between the 17th and 18th centuries. The name illustration, although less common, can also be used to designate this period.
Enlightenment thinkers advocated the use of reason and of the science for the production of knowledge and denied the domain that the Catholic Church exercised over the production and dissemination of knowledge.
Also called Ages of Enlightenment, this period broke with theocentrism and placed the individual at the center of knowledge.
It was a period of immense scientific and technological advances and also the development of philosophy and legal doctrine.
Learn more about enlightenment and theocentrism.
