Week 2 Math + Art
Week 2 Math + Art
This week's lessons, lectures, and readings have highlighted the inseparable connection between mathematics and art throughout history, illustrating how mathematical principles have profoundly shaped artistic expression. One notable example discussed was the impact of mathematics on art's aesthetic qualities, emphasizing the close relationship between artistic aesthetics and mathematical ratios. An early illustration of this influence dates back to the 4th century with the Greek sculptor Polykleitos, who proposed ideal proportions for the male nude using a ratio of 1:√2 (Cluff).
Polykleitos, Doryphoros (Spear-Bearer) or Canon, Roman marble copy of a Greek bronze, c. 450–440 B.C.E. (Museo Archaeologico Nazionale, Naples; photo: Steven Zucker, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting, the Mona Lisa, also exemplifies the important role of mathematics in artistic aesthetics. In the lecture, the Professor shows that Da Vinci used the golden ratio, typically represented by the mathematical value of approximately 1: 1.618, in his depiction of the Mona Lisa (Vesna, 24:00). The golden ratio is believed to create pleasing proportions commonly found in nature and art. Many sources claim that if a rectangle is drawn around the surface of the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, the ratio of its height to its width equals the golden ratio.
The Mona Lisa, Golden Ratio
Furthermore, mathematics has played a crucial role in shaping the field of art by promoting the exploration of different dimensions and the breaking of existing rules. Similar to how non-Euclidean geometry challenges traditional spatial concepts, the idea of the fourth dimension encourages artists to transcend the limitations of depicting reality within conventional constraints (Henderson).
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| Crucifixion (Corpus Hypercubus) by Salvador Dalí |
Salvador Dalí's surrealist painting The Crucifixion (Corpus Hypercubus) exemplifies this connection between mathematics and art. In this painting, Jesus Christ is depicted suspended in a four-dimensional hypercube instead of a traditional cross. The hypercube represents a four-dimensional analog of a cube, akin to how a three-dimensional cube unfolds into a cross shape in two-dimensional space (ArtWay). Dalí's representation of the cross symbolizes the presentation of a four-dimensional object beyond what human eyes can perceive, evoking a higher realm akin to divine language. Additionally, the absence of nail marks in the painting symbolizes the spiritual victory achieved by Jesus after the suffering of war.
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| A hypercube is a four-dimensional cube, the cross in the painting shows this form in its ‘unfolded’ state. |
The juxtaposition of mathematics and art profoundly influences and inspires new forms of artistic expression. These mathematical concepts challenge traditional spatial perceptions and foster freedom of thought for artists. Additionally, art offers a captivating way to explore mathematical concepts through the application of mathematical principles, enhancing the aesthetics and beauty of artistic creation.
Cluff, Harry. “Painting by Numbers.” Engelsberg Ideas, 9 Nov. 2022, engelsbergideas.com/notebook/painting-by-numbers/.
“Dali, Salvador - VM - Reinier Sonneveld.” ArtWay.Eu, ArtWay Visual Meditation, 29 Sept. 2013, artway.eu/content.php?id=1479&action=show&lang=en.
Foundation, Mona Lisa. “Leonardo and Mathematics.” The Mona Lisa Foundation, 9 Aug. 2018, monalisa.org/2012/09/12/leonardo-and-mathematics-in-his-paintings/.
Henderson, Linda Dalrymple. “The Fourth Dimension and Non-Euclidean geometry in modern art: Conclusion.” Leonardo, vol. 17, no. 3, 1984, pp. 205–210, https://doi.org/10.2307/1575193.
“The Fourth Dimension in Painting: Cubism and Futurism.” The Peacock’s Tail, 18 Aug. 2016, pavlopoulos.wordpress.com/2011/03/19/painting-and-fourth-dimension-cubism-and-futurism/.
Vesna, Victoria. “Mathematics-PT1-ZeroPerspectiveGoldenMean.Mov.” YouTube, 9 Apr. 2012, youtu.be/mMmq5B1LKDg.
“Dali, Salvador - VM - Reinier Sonneveld.” ArtWay.Eu, ArtWay Visual Meditation, 29 Sept. 2013, artway.eu/content.php?id=1479&action=show&lang=en.
“Mona Lisa.” The Fibonacci Sequence, thefibonaccisequence.weebly.com/mona-lisa.html. Accessed 10 Apr. 2024.
Steven Zucker, Smarthistory co-founder. “Polykleitos, Doryphoros.” Flickr, Yahoo!, 11 Apr. 2024, www.flickr.com/photos/profzucker/7751597926/.
I really like the idea of using proportions to enhance the persons art not only in perspective but also in message. Your example of the Dali painting examined exactly that idea. Using mathematics to better convey your artistic message really shows how connected those two ideas truly are. The expression of math can truly be an artistic endeavor rather than just a binary one.
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