Math and Art

So far I have mostly talked about the pre-existing laws of mathematics that govern everything in our universe. This post I will talk about how artist and architects use geometry in their works. We sometimes forget that math is more than just formulas and logic. The objective beauty in some artwork and architecture is really derived from the underlying sacred geometry the artisan employed. I talked about how ratios determine how we differentiate and determine what things are aesthetically pleasing to the eye. So it should come as no surprise that artist and architects would take advantage of mathematical concepts such as patterns, symmetry, structure, and shape. No one took more advantage of the secrets of geometry more than Leonardo DaVinci. DaVinci utilized proportions and perfected the art of linear perspective. Linear perspective is the technique of representing a three dimensional object or a particular volume of space on a flat surface. For this to create the illusion of depth, essentially another dimension, all of the lines in the painting must converge to a single, invisible point on the horizon. The Last Supper is a perfect example of this method and it also contains specific proportions that directly relate to harmonic balance. The Mona Lisa’s facial proportions contain an almost perfect Golden Ratio, and this is why so many have found the painting to be so beautiful. It truly is amazing that DaVinci would be able to incorporate such complex mathematics into his work while hiding it from the public for centuries. This is an excellent example of how the beauty of mathematics can be right in front you without knowing to the naked eye. Below is a picture of DaVinci’s Last Supper, if you examine it closely you can see how the proportions make the picture appear so balanced and complete.