First and only edition of one of the richest sources for studying the interplay of mathematics, art and architectural theory and typography during the high renaissance by the mathematician Luca Pacioli, with illustrations designed by Leonardo da Vinci. The author sets forth a way of describing the visible world in terms of its common geometrical elements, what he calls the "divine proportion". Based on the writings of Plato, Euclid, and Vitruvius, and arguing his thesis by means of exegesis and the generous use of evocative illustration, Pacioli claims that this proportional element is shared by a variety of solid bodies, from human anatomy to architectural forms and even to the composition of the letter forms in Roman alphabet. The works treats stereometry and related subjects and includes 61 remarkable illustrations by Leonardo da Vinci, which form the earliest work from the artist's hand to appear in print. Pacioli formed a close relationship with Leonardo da Vinci when both were at the court of Lodovico il Moro in Milan. Pacioli's treatises and Leonardo's notebooks testify to their association. Pacioli knew Leonardo's work during this period in great detail, and he acknowledges that Leonardo was responsible for the design of stereometric bodies appended to the Divina proportione.
Special collections
Speciale collecties
Divina proportione: opera a tutti glingegni perspicaci e curiosi necessaria oue ciascun studioso di philosophia : prospectiua pictura sculptura : architectura: musica: e altre mathematice suauissima: sottile: e admirabile doctrina consequira: e delectarassi: co[n] varie questione de secretissima scientia
Titel aan de recto-zijde van het titelblad ontbreekt, druk op de verso-zijde aanwezig
A. Paganius Paganinus caracteribus elegantissismis
Auteur Luca Pacioli vermeldt in de opdracht Leonardo da Vinci als tekenaar van de 59 bl. pl.
[Venetiis]: A. Paganius Paganinus caracteribus elegantissismis; [1509]