Jean François Niceron

He studied under Father Marin Mersenne, a famed mathematician and Minim friar, at the College de Nevers.

[citation needed] Niceron was also an artist, with a particular interest in the use of anamorphosis in religious art.

He was acquainted with the leading scientists in France and Italy, such as Fermat, Descartes, Cavalieri, and Kircher, and was aware of the latest theoretical developments.

Intent on finding a scientific solution to the problems presented by perspective, Niceron worked out the geometric algorithms for producing anamorphic art and in 1638, at the age of 25, published a treatise titled La perspective curieuse, ou magie artificielle des effets merveilleux (roughly translated as "The curious perspective or artificial magic of marvelous effects").

His connection with these societies led to associations with some of the top intellectuals from Paris and Rome.