Discover the fascinating power of diagrams at the new exhibition at the Fondazione Prada. This showcase features hundreds of visual tools from the past thousand years—ranging from financial charts to volcanic eruption maps—that reveal how humans communicate complex ideas visually.

Diagrams are more than just pictures. They are purposeful drawings that explain relationships and arrangements rather than just representing reality. Curators describe them as “graphics that clarify, not just depict.” They often combine disparate information to test hypotheses and explore patterns.

Even in early examples, like medieval anatomical charts, diagrams show how beliefs and science intertwined. For instance, some charts linked body parts with constellations based on astrology, suggesting celestial influence on health. These “zodiac man” diagrams guided medical practices while also reflecting the universe’s microcosm.

Throughout history, diagrams have helped advance knowledge by challenging assumptions and demonstrating correlations. For example, one of the most iconic medical maps was created by Dr. John Snow in 1854. He plotted cholera cases against water pump locations in London, identifying contaminated water as the disease’s source—a breakthrough that changed public health.

This map directly challenged the miasma theory, which blamed “bad air” for cholera. It proved that water contamination was the real culprit, leading to better sanitation and saving lives. Other charts, like those by Dr. Henry Wentworth Acland, explored climate factors but ultimately supported Snow’s findings by showing the limitations of earlier theories.

If you’re interested in exploring the history of visual communication and scientific discovery, this exhibition is a must-see.

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