geometrylastsupper.com
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt #ArtHistory
#Geometry #GeometryInArt #SymbolismInArt

This means the height of the door and windows are defined twice, leaving little doubt that geometry played a deliberate role in establishing the dimensions of these openings.

🤓 Nerd’s corner: the scientifically inclined among us will easily figure out the height of the openings.

Those who have followed this mini-series from the beginning might think: «But we’ve already defined the height of the window in a previous post!» And they would be absolutely right. Remarkably, both rotations – of the triangle’s side and of its base – meet the grid at precisely the same point.

So the question is: what is the radius of that circle?

💡 The first intuition is the correct one: the pediment is defined by a circle of radius 1 (one module of the grid = 1).

#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt #ArtHistory #Geometry #GeometryInArt #SymbolismInArt
geometrylastsupper.com

📐 By placing our compass on M, the rotation of the triangle’s base gives us a mirror image of the arc traced previously. Together, these arcs outline the silhouette of a Gothic arch.

Since this arch touches the pediment at a tangent, it means that a circle must have been used to draw its outer edge

This is quite remarkable: in a single movement, our compass reveals three major clues, each one bringing us closer to understanding the underlying harmony of this extraordinary composition.

#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt #ArtHistory
#Geometry #GeometryInArt
geometrylastsupper.com

• As the base rotates, the arc first meets one of the vertical grid lines. This intersection aligns precisely with the top of the window opening.
• Higher up, the arc becomes tangent to the decorative pediment.
• The arc intersects with the grid a final time at the height of the cornice.

It is also possible to explain the position of the perspective lines suggested by the tapestries! And much more...

geometrylastsupper.com
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt #ArtHistory
#Geometry #GeometryInArt #SymbolismInArt

And this, ladies and gentlemen, is the key to the geometry of The Last Supper!

From this single triangle, one can derive the height of the windows and door openings, the construction of the pediment above the door, and the placement of the cornice. Can you see how?

Furthermore, Christ’s left hand, opening up in a gesture of offering, visually balances the movement initiated by his right hand as it turns towards the morsel of bread.
But, if we were to extend downwards the triangle suggested by the posture of Christ, we would end up with a triangle of base 4.

The 3 centres are part of a unique geometrical design. Not only is it beautiful in its clarity and efficiency, but the symbolic meaning concealed within it forms a spiritual message – hidden, yet profoundly present – at the heart of The Last Supper.

geometrylastsupper.com
#LeonardoDaVinci

If we assume for a moment that these centres are indeed connected, we would have to examine the reasons behind their arrangement. One explanation could be the logical outcome of a geometrical construction; another, the result of a deliberate choice infused with symbolic meaning.

#TheLastSupper

Visually, the importance of the vanishing point is indisputable, since it commands the viewer’s attention, while the centre of the pediment belongs to a modest ornament, and the grid’s centre is virtually invisible. Yet, this raises a crucial question: is their placement purely coincidental?

The 3 centres are, in fact, part of a unique geometrical design. Not only is it beautiful in its clarity and efficiency, but the symbolic meaning concealed within it forms a spiritual message – hidden yet profoundly present – at the heart of The Last Supper.

geometrylastsupper.com
#LeonardoDaVinci

If we assume for a moment that these centres are connected, we would have to examine the reasons behind their arrangement. One explanation could be the logical outcome of a geometrical construction; another, the result of a deliberate choice infused with symbolic meaning.

#TheLastSupper

Visually, the importance of the vanishing point is indisputable, since it commands the viewer’s attention, while the centre of the pediment belongs to a modest ornament, and the grid’s centre is virtually invisible. Yet, this raises a crucial question: is their placement purely coincidental?

#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt
#ArtHistory #Geometry #GeometryInArt #SymbolismInArt
www.geometrylastuspper.com

It shouldn’t come as a surprise to find architectural elements in The Last Supper that disobey the grid’s rigid order. After all, its inherent inflexibility limits creativity. Yet, it is in these departures from order that the geometry itself starts to speak.