The case against surface geometry

Author

Elkins, James

Document type

Article (journal)

Language

English

Source

Art history. 1991, Num. 2, Vol. 14, p. 143-174, 8 ill.; diagrams

ISSN

0141-6790

Abstract (en)

Identifies four kinds of "surface geometry" applied by modern scholarship to Italian Renaissance painting (and relief sculpture): grids, modules, proportion in perspective and the generalized interest in halves, thirds and quarters. Argues that the first two are largely modern interpolations, while the second two are present in the works of art, if not in the highly quantified way they are sometimes said to be. Includes appendices on the perspective reconstructions of Piero's Baptism of Christ (London, National Gallery); Leonardo's Last Supper (Milan, S. Maria della Grazie), and Piero's Flagellation (Urbino, Galleria Nazionale delle Marche).

Subject (en)

• General history of art -- 1400-1800 -- Pictorial arts -- Painting and drawing -- Italy
• Painting
• Italy
• 1400-1500
• Perspective
• Art history
• Piero della Francesca, ca.1420-1492
• Baptism of Christ
• National Gallery||London (GBR)
• Flagellation of Christ
• Galleria nazionale delle Marche||Urbino (ITA)
• Leonardo da Vinci, 1452-1519
• Last Supper
• S. Maria delle Grazie||Milano (ITA)
• Renaissance
• Mural painting

Subject (fr)

• Histoire générale de l'art -- 1400-1800 -- Peinture et arts graphiques -- Peinture et dessin -- Italie
• Peinture
• Italie
• 1400-1500
• Perspective
• Histoire de l'art
• Piero della Francesca, v.1420-1492
• Baptême du Christ
• National Gallery||London (GBR)
• Flagellation du Christ
• Galleria nazionale delle Marche||Urbino (ITA)
• Leonardo da Vinci, 1452-1519
• La Cène
• S. Maria delle Grazie||Milano (ITA)
• Renaissance
• Peinture murale

Origin

DatabaseBHA (Inist-CNRS/GRI)

Identifier19920401-00422424

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