COMPREHENSIVE INSTITUTE "G. MARITI “ MIDDLE SCHOOL

FAUGLIA (Pisa) - Italy

“ Geometry is for the plastic arts

what grammar is to the writer’s art ”

Guillaume Apollinaire

Since ancient times, artists have inserted in their works squares, circles, triangles and

rectangles: the geometric figures in art have always been present, both in the form of a

definite figure and as a basis for creating harmonious compositions or characterized by

a particular meaning.

The whole universe consists of geometric

shapes regulated by precise laws.

When we admire the

monuments of Florence we

must remember that the

artists, for the creation of

these works, used numerous

geometric shapes not only

for matters of beauty and

harmony, but also for utility

and practicality.

Geometry is a tool that has

been necessary to man's

constructions: curves and

surfaces are an integral part

of architecture.

Basilica of S. Miniato al Monte, Florence,

beginning of construction 1013

The profile of the Dome

of Santa Maria del

Fiore, for example, is

not random; its shape,

in addition to giving

beauty to the structure,

provides the best shape

to support its enormous

weight (about 30,000

tons).

It should be taken into account

that Brunelleschi was also a

mathematician and the one who

established the geometric basis

of linear perspective.

Construction of the Dome

profile

The chain curve of the

Dome

In addition, we must take

into account that, without

his geometrical

knowledge, he could not

have made the dome

and all its wanderful

constructions.

Sometimes, the choice of

certain geometric figures

was also dictated by

religious motifs, such as the

octagonal plan of the

Baptistery and the Dome

and the shapes (hexagons

and rhombuses) of Giotto's

Bell Tower tiles.

Hexagonal tile of Giotto's Bell Tower

representing Euclid

In this regard I would like to point out that the hexagonal

tile, located to the right of the entrance of the Bell Tower,

represents Architecture and the person who is drawing is

the great mathematician Euclid.

Baptistery plant Brunelleschi Dome plant

This fact further highlights the close link

between architecture and geometry,

especially in Florentine architecture. You

can see this by looking at, for example,

the geometric squares, obtained from

marble inlays, which adorn the surfaces

of many Florentine monuments and

form that serene geometric harmony

reminescent of ancient works.

Marble marquetry - Florence baptistery

Marble marquetry ,S.Miniato a Monte - Florence

The Florentine Romanesque architecture distinguished itself from the others for its

geometry, for its simple and elegant style; that’s just what will give birth to the

Florentine Renaissance.

We can say that in this way, through geometry, architecture expresses the perfection of

God and it brings us closer to Him; indeed, geometry is perfect, indisputable, eternal, and

therefore divine.

Florence Baptistery

GEOMETRY IN ARCHITECTURE AND IN THE DECORATIONS OF SOME MONUMENTS OF FLORENCE

Golden rectangles in the façade of

the Pazzi’s Chapel

Golden elements in the façade and in

the Tower of Palazzo Vecchio

GEOMETRY IN ARCHITECTURE AND IN THE DECORATIONS OF

SOME MONUMENTS OF FLORENCE

Geometry of the Gothic compass in

the right door of the façade of the

Cathedral of Florence

Geometry of the windows triangular

tympanums of the Baptistery

THE SYMMETRY OF GEOMETRIC COMBINATIONS AND

DECORATIONS OF SANTA MARIA NOVELLA

THE SYMMETRY OF GEOMETRIC COMBINATIONS AND

DECORATIONS OF SANTA MARIA NOVELLA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3FYkjcY4uA

15 ROSE WINDOWS THAT MAKE UP THE HORIZONTAL ROW IN

THE CENTER OF THE FAÇADE OF S.MARIA NOVELLA

Choose one of the decorative patterns of the rose windows you

have just observed in the previous slide that you find reproduced

on the white canvas.

Color the various elements that compose it using fabric markers

to create a new and modern decoration with shades you like.

You can use your creation to make a pencil case, a small

picture, a canvas bag or a decoration to apply to a shirt that will

remind you the art geometries in Florence.

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N O W I T ’ S Y O U R T U R N …