Optique instrumentale et iconographie

This study is an approach on the problem of iconography from an instrumental optic point of view. Starting by a minimalist definition of the image as an assembly of signs disposed on a surface, I try to establish and analyze some of its mere consequences. Therefore, the status of the image, its reference to writing, its precision as a representation and the ethnographical heritage are subjects to discussion in the debate between Andre de Micy and Merlet-Clerval.