Scholarly record

EDUCATING FUNCTION OF LINEAR PERSPECTIVE IN THE RENAISSANCE ART

M. Tarasova, N. Bakhova, V. Zhukovsky

Abstract

The aim of this study is to justify a classification of the Italian Renaissance paintings based on aspects of the educating function of linear perspective. The importance of the problem is in unrealized educating potential of linear perspective in the field of publication activity. Researchers mostly examine the mathematical aspect of linear perspective as the artistВ’s tool for modeling the three-dimensional world in two-dimensional pictorial art forms. However, reducing linear perspective to a technical device causes misunderstanding in both art theory and art history. In our research, we follow philosophical tradition of objective idealism of G.W.F.Hegel, and also the path led by Erwin Panofsky who inherited the Hegelian idea that art formulates a particular vision of the world. In our study we seek fuller understanding of the educating impact the perspective construction has on the viewer. The analysis of a spectrum of Renaissance works of art allowed us to suggest a typology of the fifteenth-century paintings composed according to systematic linear perspective. The compositional analysis provided evidence sufficient for us to identify five types of paintings. As we demonstrate in our study, the types of Renaissance paintings show the vanishing point of the perspective lines at five different characters of the pictures: the face of Jesus Christ, the face of a saint, his nimbus or heart; the face of an honorable man; the Christian symbols; and a zero-point. Each type of paintings was analyzed with respect to their educating impact on the viewer. We used the Neo-Platonic approach to examine works of art as mediums connecting the divine and human eye. On the basis of a conceptual analysis of the Italian Renaissance paintings of the fifteenth century we have made some assumptions about the educating principles revealed in the Renaissance art. The analysis provided further insight into educating potential of art developing intellectual vision and improving visual thinking of the viewer. Finally, we came to the conclusion that linear perspective is a compositional system aimed to educate the viewer as the human being in contact with the Universe.

Publication Impact Profile

No metrics available.

PLUMX see details

DOI resolver: doi.org/10.5593/sgemsocialF2018/2.3/S22.023

Publication details

Back to publication list