Historical «Visions» of Antonie van Leeuwenhoek

Abstract

The article is devoted to the Dutch researcher Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, who for the first time almost 350 years ago saw microorganisms in water with a piece of horseradish root in it with the help of a microscope designed by him. It provides information about the history of microscopy and the role of Leeuwenhoek, who was the first to see erythrocytes, spermatozoa, and striated muscle fibers along with microorganisms. The article also discusses creative collaboration between Leeuwenhoek and artist Jan Vermeer. The most likely reason for the close relationship between the researcher and the artist could be the general interest in optical devices, in particular optical effects from the perspective of a microscopist and a painter who used Leeuwenhoek's lens system (camera obscura) in his pictorial technology.