Holy Trinity
Factual Information:
From: Santa Maria Novella, Florence, Italy
Period: 1424 - 1427
Period: 1424 - 1427
General Information:
This artwork, painted by Masaccio, is a prime example of the application of mathematics to art. In the painting, the Virgin Mary and Saint John appear on both sides of Christ being crucified. The particular part where mathematics comes in is the appliance of mathematical formulas to the proportions to the figures and objects. Masaccio is so meticulous with his mathematical proportions that we can tell the exact measurements of the objects in the painting. Above the crucified Christ we can see God the Father emerging, as well as the dove of holy spirit between Gods and Christs heads. Near the bottom of the painting we can see a skeleton with an inscription in Italian painted above that says "I was once what you are, and what I am you will become."
Why This Artwork?
This artwork was chosen to show the use of perspective in Italian Renaissance paintings, as well as the exact proportions and style of the painting during the time.