Week 2: Math and Art

    When we think of the general terms art and mathematics, they might seem like two very different and unrelated subjects, however we can see the direct correlation of the two fields all around us in nature and through historical contexts. Math is one of the key points in several types of art as it is used for perspective, and to enhance the realism of the piece. Examples of this can be seen in the early renaissance works by people like Da Vinci, Brunelleschi, and Alberti. It is also, however, used as a formula that links to several man made and natural structures on Earth using things like the Fibonacci Numbers and The Golden Ratio.  






The Golden Ratio in Art


    In lecture, we delved into the topic of the origins of math within art. The original ideas regarding perspective, started with Al Haythem and his “Book of Optics”. The text highlighted how light and making the work seem ‘real’ visually to the beholder, could be created through perspective. Other westerners such as Giotto and Duccio used Haythem’s studies to create their own version of ‘perspective’ through the addition of the ‘vanishing point’. While the use of perspective and ideas of some sort of math were involved in these early works, the actual formulas associated with these ideas were not known yet. 



Duccio: Annunciation


    Formulas like the Fibonacci Numbers help us to understand an even deeper meaning of math in art. They mark the sequential pattern beginning with zero and one that uses the sum of the two preceding numbers to predict the next. According to an article by Mathnasium, “It's a simple pattern, but it appears to be a kind of built-in numbering system to the cosmos,” (Mathnasium). The Fibonacci Numbers and Golden Ratios, have been found naturally on Earth in several astonishing ways. Spirals, as seen below, are created based on this number sequence, and match almost perfectly to several natural features of our planet.

   

14 Interesting Examples of the Golden Ratio in Nature (all images found from same source)

    These patterns in nature are incredibly interesting, and seem to serve a purpose we might not yet be able to comprehend. The strategies and techniques of ‘The Golden Ratio’ and Fibonacci Numbers, have been studied and used by artists to enhance their works and help them better resemble that of nature (see top image of Mona Lisa). However, they also provide us with some mystery, as we ponder how ancient Egyptians were aware of their existence and relation to nature, therefore using them during the creation of the pyramids


Artincontext. “Fibonacci Sequence in Art - Using the Fibonacci Theory in Art.” Artincontext.org, 30 Aug. 2022, artincontext.org/fibonacci-sequence-in-art/. 

“Flatland.” Flatland, by E. A. Abbott, 1884, www.ibiblio.org/eldritch/eaa/FL.HTM. 

Frantz, Marc. Lesson 3: Vanishing Points and Looking at Art - University of Central ... 2000, www.cs.ucf.edu/courses/cap6938-02/refs/VanishingPoints.pdf. 

Mathnasium. “14 Interesting Examples of the Golden Ratio in Nature.” Mathnasium, 20 Feb. 2013, www.mathnasium.com/blog/14-interesting-examples-of-the-golden-ratio-in-nature. 

Socionomics Institute. Fibonacci, Fractals and Financial Markets. YouTube, YouTube, 31 May 2007, www.youtube.com/watch?v=RE2Lu65XxTU. 



Comments

Lizandro Chan Caamal said…
Hello Tessia, your blog was very enjoyable to read. You brought up great points that explain how math and art correlate and influence each other. The golden ratio and vanishing points are techniques that as you explain, help the artist captivate their audience and imitate realism. It's also fascinating how these techniques are relevant and can be observed in nature.
April 15, 2023 at 5:33 PM
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