This artwork reflects a moment from the scientific world of Hasan ibn al Haytham, the pioneering thinker whose work on vision, light and optics reshaped global scientific understanding. Although the scene is interpretative rather than a literal reconstruction, it evokes the type of experimental work he became known for. Ibn al Haytham treated the study of light as a rigorous physical science, testing how it moved, bent and behaved, rather than accepting inherited theories. His experimental method marked a turning point in the history of scientific inquiry.
Born in Basra in 965 and active across Iraq and Egypt, Ibn al Haytham produced one of the most influential scientific texts of the medieval world, Kitab al Manazir, the Book of Optics. In it he overturned Greek theories of visual rays, arguing instead that sight occurred when light entered the eye. He developed a correct explanation of refraction, studied the behaviour of lenses and mirrors and analysed how light travels in straight lines. He created controlled experiments involving apertures, darkened rooms and calibrated surfaces, and used these to test theoretical predictions. His insistence on observation, hypothesis and verification established principles that modern science would later formalise. Many European scholars, including Roger Bacon and Kepler, built directly on his findings, and Latin translations of his work influenced developments in the Renaissance and early modern period.
Ibn al Haytham’s significance extends beyond optics. He advocated for intellectual honesty, warning against accepting inherited claims without scrutiny. He argued that the seeker of truth must systematically doubt, test and refine ideas through methodical effort. His approach integrated mathematical reasoning with controlled experimentation, helping to lay foundations for physics, psychology and the scientific method itself. His work exemplifies a period in Islamic civilisation when curiosity, discipline and empirical investigation flourished side by side.
Displayed in a modern interior, this artwork becomes a tribute to the origins of experimental science and to a scholar who transformed humanity’s understanding of vision and perception. It invites reflection on the long intellectual journey that led from early theories of light to the precise optical technologies we rely on today. Ibn al Haytham remains a symbol of the conviction that truth is discoverable through careful study and that knowledge advances when questions are asked with courage and patience.
Every artwork in the Riwayah collection is available in four thoughtfully selected display formats, designed to complement a wide range of interiors while maintaining a consistent standard of quality and finish.
Our framed canvas prints offer a subtle, tactile texture that adds depth and presence to each piece, professionally stretched over FSC certified wooden bars for a clean, gallery-ready presentation. For a lighter and more flexible option, our museum-quality paper posters can be paired with magnetic wooden hangers crafted from smooth pine, allowing the artwork to be displayed or changed with ease while remaining securely held.
For a more traditional presentation, our premium wooden frames are made from responsibly sourced oak or ash, chosen for their natural grain and durability, and finished with shatterproof plexiglass for long-term protection. Those seeking a contemporary look can opt for our aluminium frames, combining slim black metal with heavyweight matte paper for a crisp, understated finish.
All prints are produced using high-quality, archival-grade inks on FSC certified papers. Each piece is made individually to order, helping minimise unnecessary waste while ensuring careful attention to quality and consistency. Your artwork arrives ready to hang or assemble, crafted to be enjoyed for years to come.
