Earth Sciences and Visual Culture : a State of the Art.

This review presents a state-of-the-art overview of literature related to the visual dimension of Earth sciences – primarily mineralogy, geology, and paleontology. Since Martin Rudwick's seminal work, The Emergence of a Visual Language for Geological Sciences, 1760-1840 (1976), the field has expanded significantly. Such growth is driven by cross-disciplinary approaches that integrate the history of science and art history, while contemporary issues – such as the notion of the Anthropocene and the climate crisis – further enrich the field. Exhibitions and collaborative projects that have advanced the discipline are showcased, demonstrating its relevance in addressing today's environmental challenges.

Key themes within the literature include the depiction of landscapes, mountains, volcanoes, fossils, and prehistoric creatures, which have captured public interest since the 19th century. Various contributions are taken into account, grouped by visual sources and thematic focus. Beyond these themes, recent analyses emphasize the role of women in the pictorial culture of Earth sciences, highlighting their contributions to scientific illustration and their involvement in scientific institutions. [Publisher's text]

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