Historical Foundations of Visual Technology Workbook
3 Rope and compass geometry
Ancient peoples learned how to be creative with simple tools. Rope geometry involves the
use of ropes with measured segments to lay out foundations for buildings and monuments by
applying geometric relationships. In some ways rope geometry is akin to the use of a compass,
which we also explore here in the formation of a golden rectangle. Finally, we explore the
design for a rose window using geometry much as medieval cathedral builders did. After reaching
great heights of realism and dignity in portraying the human form in ancient Greece, artistry
in the west declined with the fall of the Roman Empire. Under early Christianity only simple art
was emphasized and was used to tell religious stories. Differences in the acceptance of visual
art grew up even between the eastern (Byzantine) and western (Roman) church. Under Islam
after 632 CE, decorative art based on geometric patterns and Arabic script became ascendant,
while the purpose of art in China took a unique and different direction.
The audio chapter
commentaries here provide lecture material on the indicated chapters
of Gombrich's Story of Art, 16th edition.
To listen to the audio lecture along
with slide viewing on a computer, click the “Audio lecture” link
first to start the
audio, minimize any screen your sound player produces, and then
click the “Slides” link to view the slides. If you only want to
view the slides, just click that link. The audio file may be used
separately on a portable sound player by viewing the illustrations
in the Gombrich text itself, since the audio calls out page and figure
numbers.
3 Rope and compass geometry