Autotypie und Netzhautbild — Fritz Kahn

This remarkable scientific illustration compares the mechanics of printed halftone reproduction with the way an image is received by the human retina. Combining photography, anatomical imagery, optical instruments, projected light rays, and enlarged dot patterns, the composition transforms a technical explanation of vision into an extraordinary piece of early modern information design.

At the top, a human head and enlarged anatomical eye demonstrate the passage of visual information, while optical devices direct rays toward their respective subjects. Below, two large circular fields reveal contrasting halftone structures. Lettered markers from a through f connect the stages of the comparison, while the original German caption explains the correspondence between the printed raster and the light-sensitive structures of the retina.

Artwork Details

• Artist: Fritz Kahn
• Title: Autotypie und Netzhautbild
• Original title: Die Übereinstimmung zwischen Autotypie und Netzhautbild
• Series: Das Leben des Menschen
• Date: 20th century
• Period: Modern scientific illustration
• Place of Origin: Germany
• Medium: Printed scientific illustration / photomontage

Framed Print Details

• Fine art printing: Professional 12-color fine art printing technology produces vivid, accurate colors with strong tonal depth and significantly greater nuance than standard 4-color inkjet printing.
• Paper: Smooth premium matte paper with a clean, glare-free finish.
• Paper weight: 200 gsm (80 lb).
• Paper thickness: 0.26 mm (10.3 mils).
• Frame material: Durable pine wood.
• Frame dimensions: Approximately 20 mm (0.79 in) deep and 10–14 mm (0.4–0.6 in) wide.
• Protection: Shatterproof plexiglass protects the print while keeping the framed artwork lightweight.
• Ready to hang: A hanging kit is included, allowing the framed print to be mounted directly on the wall.
• Available sizes: Offered in a range of sizes to suit different spaces.
• Materials: Printed using FSC-certified paper and wood where available.
• Production: Each framed print is produced to order through a trusted international network of professional print studios.
• Shipping: Worldwide shipping is available.
• Made to order: There is no minimum order quantity. Each piece is printed and assembled on demand, reducing unnecessary stock and waste.

Exact frame dimensions, component availability, and production specifications may vary slightly depending on the selected size and destination.