So this would be our last class field trip of the year with a Dr. Lenox class - this time with math. Early in the year of math class, we voted on a which subjects we wanted to learn about in class and now we are finally on the last subject of symmetry, patterns, reflections and such. We met in Trafalgar Square and proceeded into the National Gallery, London's best collection of aftwork, in search of mathematically conceptualized paintings.
Our assignment was actually to look at two paintings or artists and blog about which, if any, mathematical concepts can be found in the gallery. The first thing I noticed were the paintings of Raphael. Although it was impossible for me to measure the actual length of the paintings, it appeared that they followed the 1.7:1 Golden ratio on the outset of the paintings which usually appears more pleasing to the eye. There were also symmetrical themes in Raphael's paintings. Although there wasn't an actual identical pattern there were usually balanced themes on both sides of the painting. For example, the Ansidei Madonna was a painting with the Virgin Mary centered, flanked by two people on either side, both men holding their staffs leaning in. Also, below her throne, there was a repeated glide reflection of what looked not too different from a grecian key.
The other painting I wanted to comment on was Vincent Van Gogh's "Sunflowers" painting. Although there was no direct noticable patterns from what I could tell, I very much liked the take he took by paintin the Sunflowers. even on a dreary London day, they somehow seemed so bright and cheery and even made me feel even happier than I already was.
Overall, the national gallery is not quite my cup of tea. I have been there before and have nothing against it, howver, I just wish I had a deeper understanding and appreciation of art and mathematical symmetry. That pretty much sums up my exciting day of class!
I now have only my last weekend to blog left and I hope to try and squeeze a blog somewhere before I leave London for Greece, Cairo, and Jerusalem & Bethlehem.
Until next time!
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