The Invention of Infinity
Mathematics and Art in the Renaissance
Published on 24. April 1997
Book
Hardback
262 pages
978-0-19-852394-9 (ISBN)
Description
Renaissance craftsmen, such as painters, were educated in `practical mathematics'. This book tells us the fascintating story of how the artisan tradition made important contributions not only to art but also to `proper' mathematics. Beautiful works of art and famous theorems are linked together in a way that leads to a clearer understanding and greater enjoyment of both.
Covering roughly the period from 1300 to 1650, the author shows how, during this time, a new form of geometry - projective geometry - emerged in the context of the artists' mathematics of perspective. Stories of taking measurements while balanced on scaffolding are interspersed with delightful scholarly analyses of the mathematics of great works of art. The text is beautifully illustrated throughout with both photographs and drawings.
Covering roughly the period from 1300 to 1650, the author shows how, during this time, a new form of geometry - projective geometry - emerged in the context of the artists' mathematics of perspective. Stories of taking measurements while balanced on scaffolding are interspersed with delightful scholarly analyses of the mathematics of great works of art. The text is beautifully illustrated throughout with both photographs and drawings.
Reviews / Votes
The Invention of Infinity gives the reader great insight into the practice of mathematics in history. As such it is instructive to anyone attempting to understand old texts. As an example of interdisciplinary work, this book is excellent. Fields study is particularly helpful in that it demonstrates the possibility of sympathetically approaching what are traditionally rather different disciplines. * Peter K. Benbow, MAA Reviews * Compelling book...lavishly illustrated book. Mathematics and arts are clearly equally delightful for Field, and she transmits that enjoyment to the reader, * The Times *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
numerous halftones and line figures
Dimensions
Height: 253 mm
Width: 197 mm
Thickness: 23 mm
Weight
702 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-852394-9 (9780198523949)
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Schweitzer Classification
Person
J. V. Field is a Research Fellow in the Department of History of Art at Birkbeck College, University of London.
Content
1. Medieval mathematics and optics and the Renaissance style in art ; 2. Building, drawing and 'artificial perspective' ; 3. Through the wall: Masaccio's Trinity fresco ; 4. Piero della Francesca's mathematics ; 5. Piero della Francesca's perspective treatise ; 6. Practitioners and patricians ; 7. The Professionals move in ; 8. Beyond the Ancients ; 9. Fragmented perspective ; Appendix 1 The abacists' favourite scalene triangle: 13, 14, 15 ; Bibliography