Week 2: Math + Art

Leonardo da Vinci: the Vitruvian Man

Before this week, I had never really considered the mathematical aspect in the arts, at lease not to the depth of the golden ratio. That being said, I had never thought of how the two subjects could not only influence one another, but coexist.

The infamous Vitruvian Man (see left), by Leonardo da Vince circa 1490. It reveals the ideal human proportions through the use of geometry.  It truly captures the essence of mathematical influence in art and science. In the article written by Sanghi he explains, "the Vitruvian Man image exemplifies the blend of art and science during the Renaissance and provides the perfect example of Leonardo's keen interest in proportion"

Image 2: Vanishing point: Masolino’s ‘St. Peter Healing a Cripple and the Raising of Tabitha’ (1425).

Mathematics has certainly enhanced visual perspective in art.  In Vesna's lecture, she introduced Al-Haytham, a medieval muslim scholar who specialized in optics.  He "was the first scientist to argue that vision occurs in the brain, rather than the eyes.  He pointed out that personal experience has an effect on what people see and how they see, and that vision and perception are subjective." He heavily influenced artists ability to understand mathematics and perspective. It's a necessary piece in our ability to grasp an artist's story.  For example the concept of the vanishing point, as depicted above. In "Lesson 3: Vanishing Points and Looking at Art," Frantz emphasized the importance placed on perceiving art from a viewpoint where the image won't appear distorted.

M.C. Escher, relied on the mathematical aspect of his artwork. In the article, "The mathematical Art of Eschner," it revealed he was intrigued by spacial relations and "the mind's ability to discern three-dimensionality in a two dimensional representation." With Escher mathematical background and artistic ability, he was able to create masterpieces incorporating the two beautifully.

Image 3: M.C Escher: Printed gallery; lithograph 1956

In the article, "The Fourth Dimension and non-Euclidean Geometry," Henderson states "the fourth dimension was primarily a symbol of liberation for artists."  The fourth dimension encouraged artists to free their minds from three dimensional constraints and indulging in creativity.

This week, I learned a great deal about the influence mathematics has in the artistic world especially in regard to dimensions.  Without the help of mathematics, art would likely still be in viewed in the second dimension.  What I find fascinating about the relationship between mathematics and art today, is enhancements in technology have allowed artists to visually capture mathematics in even more creative and innovative ways.

References:

Henderson, Linda. “The Fourth Dimension and Non-Euclidean Geometry in Modern Art: Conclusion.” MIT Press. 17.3 (1984): 205-10. Print.

Mark Frantz. "Lesson 3: Vanishing Points and Looking at Art." 3rd ser. (2000): 1-11. Web. 16 Apr. 17.

Rohit Sanghi, Ron Expeth, Rev. Allorrah Be, and Ron O. Cook. "Vitruvian Man by Leonardo Da Vinci."World Mysteries."      

Blog. N.p., 13 Apr. 2014. Web. 15 Apr. 2017. <http://blog.world-mysteries.com/science/vitruvian-man-by-leonardo-da-vinci/>.

Smith, Sidney B. "The Mathematical Art of M.C. Escher." The Mathematical Art of M.C. Escher. Platonic Realms, n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2017. <http://platonicrealms.com/minitexts/Mathematical-Art-Of-M-C-Escher/>.

Vesna, Victoria. "Mathematics-pt1-ZeroPerspectiveGoldenMean.mov." Cole UC online. Youtube, 9 April 2012. Web. 15 Apr. 2017. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMmq5B1LKDg

Image 1: http://blog.world-mysteries.com/science/vitruvian-man-by-leonardo-da-vinci/

Image 2: http://www.webexhibits.org/sciartperspective/raphaelperspective1.html

Image 3: http://platonicrealms.com/minitexts/Mathematical-Art-Of-M-C-Escher/