Event Post -- The Getty

After reading about Louis XIV in my past history class and his contribution to art throughout the Renaissance, I was in complete awe by the Getty’s exhibit of his artwork. The Renaissance was not only a time of artistic expansion, however it also bolstered mathematics and its use in art. As learned in lecture, the great Leonardo Da Vinci was an artist of this time. Not only did he create iconic works such as the Mona Lisa, but he also expanded on mathematical and geometric formulas. Math and art were on the rise and this theme is ubiquitous throughout the works of this time.

Double Desk

Pictured to the left is a Double Desk a piece that doubles for both mathematical and artistic

purposes. The sides of the desk may be lowered to become a writing surface with drawers and pigeonholes below. This shows the mathematical design in this piece in that it is able to double as a surface for working purposes. There is more to its intricate and grandiose design that parallels the work ethic of the Renaissance. Its hard surface as a working desk allows for writing on new papers and mathematical ideas.

Planisphere Clock

Another piece that exemplifies these crossroads in a dramatic work of art is the Planisphere Clock whose hands exhibit the different lunar, monthly and zodiac phases as well as the phases of the moon through its revolving dials. This art is beautifully crafted with gold trimmings and an extravagant size, however portrays this crossroads of science and art because it shows the French knowledge of space and time. This knowledge is incorporated into the art by the revolving dials and orbits.

Myself at the Exhibit

This art was especially interesting to me because it was so grand and flashy yet behind all the glamour, there was still hints of science and math. This is definitely something I want to expand on in my final paper is that art never comes alone – there is always some type of integration. I would definitely recommend this Getty exhibit to anyone who loves grand art with striking colors because it was truly fascinating to see how royalty lived and art flourished.