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divulge it until several years before his death, which occurred in 1441· "The Bible of Gutenberg" was printed in 1452. The relationship of these dates provides us with some rather suggestive evidence. Just as the idea of separating letters of the alphabet and molding them into sculptural form was important in the historical development of printing, equally so was the medium through which these letters could leave a clear impression upon paper, and it seems safe to conclude that this latter achievement, in Europe at least, owes its origin to Van Eyck's discovery. It was he who was the first to recognize the primary importance of the boiled oil in the ancient varnishes and it was also he who knew how to make use of this quality of "non-diffusion" of boiled oil, which is one of the essential conditions for printing. |