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Description
This programme covers two separate but related topics: the development of the system of focused perspective in Art, and the work of Desargues and Pascal on the mathematics of projection and section... in the seventeenth century. It is presented by Professor Morris Kline of the Courant Institute of Mathematics, New York University, and Graham Plegg of the Open University. Professor Kline illustrates the move from "flat", "stylized" paintings in mediaeval times to the representation of spatial depth in paintings with these examples: Martini: Annunciation; Duccio: Last Supper; Durer: Woodcut; Leonardo da Vinci: Sketch for the Adoration of the Magi & Last Supper; Piero della Francesca: Flagellation of Christ; Raphael: School of Athens; Tintoretto: Transfer of the Body of St. Mark; Escher: Belvedere. He then discusses the mathematical aspects of the problem - what properties of figures are preserved when they are seen from different points? His partial answers are given in a discussion of the theorems of Desargues and Pascal which the programme explores with computer animations.
This programme covers two separate but related topics: the development of the system of focused perspective in Art, and the work of Desargues and Pascal on the mathematics of projection and section... in the seventeenth century. It is presented by Professor Morris Kline of the Courant Institute of Mathematics, New York University, and Graham Plegg of the Open University. Professor Kline illustrates the move from "flat", "stylized" paintings in mediaeval times to the representation of spatial depth in paintings with these examples: Martini: Annunciation; Duccio: Last Supper; Durer: Woodcut; Leonardo da Vinci: Sketch for the Adoration of the Magi & Last Supper; Piero della Francesca: Flagellation of Christ; Raphael: School of Athens; Tintoretto: Transfer of the Body of St. Mark; Escher: Belvedere. He then discusses the mathematical aspects of the problem - what properties of figures are preserved when they are seen from different points? His partial answers are given in a discussion of the theorems of Desargues and Pascal which the programme explores with computer animations.
| Module code and title: | AM289, History of mathematics |
|---|---|
| Item code: | AM289; 05 |
| First transmission date: | 23-05-1976 |
| Published: | 1976 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:24:00 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producers: | Jean Nunn; Neil Cleminson |
| Contributors: | Graham Flegg; Morris Kline |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Desargue's theorem; Geometric projection; Perspective |
| Footage description: | Graham Flegg introduces the programme with an animated example from Pascal's theorem. Morris Kline examines a late medieval painting, Martini's "The Annunciation", pointing out its highly stylistic and two-dimensional layout. He goes on to explain why early Renaissance painters sought new, more realistic styles of painting. Still shots of Martini's "The Annunciation" and of Florence (painting). Kline examines Duccio's "Last Supper" an early fourteenth century attempt to provide perspective. Graham Flegg, with the aid of animated lines over the painting, points out the perspective scheme used by Duccio. Kline uses a woodcut by Durer and the skyline outside his office window to explain the principles of correct perspective. In order to point out the mathematical principles in perspective, Kline looks at several Renaissance paintings. Animated lines appear over each painting to show the lines of perspective. Stills of: Leonardo: "The Last Supper"; Piero della Francesca: "Flagellation of Christ"; Raphael: "School of Athens"; Tintoretto: "Transfer of the body of St. Mark"; Graham Flegg uses a painting by Escher, "The Belvedere", to demonstrate briefly how application of the rules of perspective can trick the eye. Morris Kline uses several animations of geometrical sections and projections to discuss the mathematical rules which allow an artist to portray three-dimensional scenes on a two-dimensional canvas. He looks particularly at Desargue's theorem. Graham Flegg (voice over computer animations) looks at Desargue's theorem in detail. Kline points out the theorem's application for projection and section. Graham Flegg sums up. |
| Master spool number: | 6HT/71817 |
| Production number: | 00525_3179 |
| Videofinder number: | 939 |
| Available to public: | no |
