The ARTstor image group Proportion and Perspective is meant to
supplement a lesson in a middle-school math class that deals
with measurement and proportion — usually in the context of
geometry. There are several purposes of the image group,
specifically: The introduction of 3-dimensional space in
geometry (moving from square feet to cubic feet, for instance)
traditionally devolves into a recitation of mathematical
formulae — to be memorized and drilled. There are, of course,
many applications of three-dimensional geometry that should be
introduced to supplement these formulae, but the history of art
offers a unique approach. Simply put, how does an artist present
a realistic three-dimensional view on a two-dimensional surface?
While the use of linear perspective seems basic to realistic
painting, it was not seen before the 1400s. Some of the images
in the image group are selected to show this transition — using
similar scenes or topics depicted prior to the use of
perspective and after. These comparisons will