Geometry of Art and Life

<p>Is everything chaos and chance or is there order harmony and proportion in human life nature and the finest art? Can one find a natural aesthetic that corresponds to a universal order? If so what importance can it have for the scientist artist or layman? What is the true significance of the triangle rectangle spiral and other geometric shapes? These are but a few of the questions that Professor Matila Ghyka deals with in this fascinating book. The author believes that there are such things as The Mathematics of Life and The Mathematics of Art and that the two coincide. Using simple mathematical formulas most as basic as Pythagoras' theorem and requiring only a very limited knowledge of mathematics Professor Ghyka shows the fascinating relationships between geometry aesthetics nature and the human body.<br>Beginning with ideas from Plato Pythagoras Archimedes Ockham Kepler and others the author explores the outlines of an abstract science of space which includes a theory of proportions an examination of the golden section a study of regular and semi-regular polyhedral and the interlinking of these various shapes and forms. He then traces the transmission of this spatial science through the Pythagorean tradition and neo-Pythagorism Greek and Gothic canons of proportion the Kabbala Masonic traditions and symbols and modern applications in architecture painting and decorative art. When we judge a work of art according to his formulation we are making it conform to a pattern whose outline is laid down in simple geometrical figures; and it is the analysis of these figures both in art and nature that forms the core of Professor Ghyka's book. He also shows this geometry at work in living organisms. The ample illustrations and figures give concrete examples of the author's analysis: the Great Pyramid and tomb of Rameses IV the Parthenon Renaissance paintings and architecture the work of Seurat Le Corbusier and flowers shells marine life the human face and much more. <br>For the philosopher scientist archaeologist art historian biologist poet and artist as well as the general reader who wants to understand more about the fascinating properties of numbers and geometry and their relationship to art and life this is a thought-provoking book. </p><p></p>