Impact of Galileo's Vision in the World of Art

| Ashwini Hemalatha |

Lecturer: Thierry Delfosse
Sociology of Design
Ashwini Hemalatha
Term: July 2011
Date: August 1st 2012
Word count: 2580 sociology of design | impact of galileo’s vision and theories in the world of paintings |

Table of Contents Abstract 6 Introduction 7 Galileo and Da vinci 10 Maria Claura Eimmart 13 Peter Paul Rubens 14 Lodovico Cardi 15 Vincent Van Gogh 16 Modern day Astronomincal Art 17 Chesley Bonestool 17 Conclusion 20 References 21

Abstract:
Objective:
The key objective of this research paper is to identify the impact of Galileo’s vision, theories and principles in the world of art. I have chosen paintings as an aspect of art to understand how Galileo’s scientific theories and discoveries were visually depicted in the works of artists. It also aims to select a few works of artists and art movements, who have used his theories as a base to create their pictorial representations starting from the period of Galileo till contemporary art. I have tried to bring a perspective on the impact of Galileo’s heavenly observations on painters belonging to different periods.
The methods used to fulfil the above objective were to identify works of art primarily during the time of Galileo and to study the paintings closely to understand the influence of Galileo. It also studies how Galileo changed the approach to art. It examines the techniques, and methodologies that artists used in their paintings that created a revolutionary change. This change has resulted in a phenomenal and paradigm shift in the world of art after the discoveries of Galileo. Many books and journals have proven the close relationship of galiloe’s theories translated as brush strokes in the works of master minds.
Motivation:
The reason for choosing this topic was to deeply analyse the close relationship between science and art. Artists have always seen scientific theories as a major inspiration for works of art. Galileo has also been very influentional and inspirational to the artists of not only of his time but also contemporary artists. This paper attempts to examine this link between the legendary and revolutionary scientist and creativity expressed in the canvases.

Introduction
Art and science:
Most artists use Galileo’s astronomical findings and mathematical principles in their work. Every artist has their own unique way of interpreting science that can be used in their work. There are many scientific methods that artist use in their work of art apart from mere application of ink, brush on pigment on their canvases. The basic principles of colour, line, texture , form , harmony, balance, perspective, scale are applied in order to make piece of art work. To understand the influence of Galileo in art, some of the scienctific methods used in art must be analysed. “Galileo was also a master of perspective drawing, for example, chiaroscuro, a pure exercise in the art (also considered a science and studied as such) of representing three dimensions in two through the use of light and shadow on complex geometric forms. “
Space, mass, and volume:
For artists space can be ‘actual” the 3 dimensional space occupied or it can be “illusionistic”. Illusionistic is when painters depict an image of the three dimensional spatial word on two a two dimensional surface. This requires an acute knowledge of science in order to convert 3D into 2D. Galileo’s mastermind plays a major role in acquiring this knowledge by applying mathematical principles in the work of art.
Mass and volume describe the three dimensional space. In both architecture and sculpture, mass is the bulk, density, and weight of matter in space. Volume is the space that mass organises, divides or encloses. Both mass and volume describe the forms of matter in the work of art.
Perspective and foreshortening:
Perspective is one of the most important pictorial devices for organising forms in space. Throughout history artists have used various types of illusion of depth of space on two dimensional surfaces. The artists used perspective to depict objects in the foreground appears larger than in the background. Decreasing the size of objects at it moves away into space creates the illusion of depth for the viewer. It is important to note that all kinds of perspective are only pictorial even when one or more types of perspective may be so common in a given culture that they are accepted as the natural or as the true means of representing the natural world.
Light: Lighting in a painting is a very important element. There are many types of lightings use to convey different moods. There are many methods that artists used to convey lighting such as Chairoschuro( intense light and dark tones used in the paintings to depict a sense of drama and action in the painting. Mystic and soft light was used in many Renaissance paintings. Galileo’s scientific inventions on light changed the way artist used light on their on the canvases. For example, Galileo’s discovery of the moon’s topography and the question of whether the moon reflects sun’s light or whether it was self luminous was pondered by artist too. All this while the moon was generally depicted as a smooth white surface , an incandescent moon.

Galileo and the Renaissance
“Renaissance artists—painters, sculptors and architects—had been observing nature with a special interest in depicting it faithfully and realistically, from the early 15th century on. In fact, by turning to the problem of art and science in the Renaissance, it is possible to find the roots for Galileo 's own peculiarly realistic—and idealistic—approach to nature. For the values and attitudes Galileo held were ones he shared with Italian humanists—including philosophers, artisans, and even musicians.”
“Galileo Galilei was born near Pisa in 1564—the same year in which Shakespeare was born and the year in which Michelangelo and Calvin died. After studying at the University of Pisa, he was appointed to the chair of mathematics”
The reasons for galileo’s phenomenal influence on art have been stated because he emerged at the same time as when renaissance art was at its peak. The renaissance artists were also striving to create a “new” kind of art that was revivalist. Legendary artists such Michael Angelo and Leanardo Da Vinci were deeply affected by the findings of Galileo. This probably was the biggest reason why Galileo had a phenomenal impact on art.
Galileo’s life history relevant to art history:
Galileo was born in 1564 ( 16th century). This period is considered to be the peak of renaissance age. He was a son of a court musician and from a very young age he himself was fascinated by the arts. He was a very talented mathematician and studied in technical drawing at the Florentine Academy of art and Design.
Astronomical inventions that were expressed in art.
Galileo was a great observer and most of his works inventions were purely based on observations made through his telescope. The telescope was also an important discovery in the period of renaissance. “With a Galilean telescope the observer could see magnified, upright images on the earth—it was what is commonly known as a terrestrial telescope or a spyglass. He could also use it to observe the sky; for a time he was one of those who could construct telescopes good enough for that purpose. “
Moon: one of the most important inventions of Galileo is the truth behind the moon’s surface. Contemporary to traditional knowledge of his period Galileo stated boldly that the moon was not merely a white surface or an heavenly body of the church doctrine. This concept was used and brought a phenomenal change in the way artist represented the heavenly bodies.
He also discovered the sunspots and the unusual shape of Saturn and identified the milky way Galaxy which now inspires a lot of contemporary artists.

Galileo and Leanardo da Vinci:
The Renaissance movement symbolises art and culture, originating in Florence and soon spread too many parts of Europe. Its influences is seen in literature, philosophy, arts, politics science and religion are seen even today.
Galileo and Da vinci were both Italians, and two of the are the world’s famous painters , sculptors and composers. The legendary minds of Galileo and Da Vinci helped shape the world in which we live in.
Similarities :
Both leanardo and da vinci were inventors of their time. “Nearly a century before Galileo, Leonardo butted heads with the challenge of measuring time..”
This point proves that Leanardo who himself is a scientist believed in galileo’s principles. Leanardo revealed his unquenchable curiousity in his voluminous notes and studies, liberally interspected with sketches dealing with botany, geology, geography, cartography, zoology, military engineering, animal lore, astronomy and other aspects of physical science. For example , Leanardo’s in depth exploration of optics gave him an understanding of perspective , light and colour that he used in his paintings.
Leanardo and Astronomy:
“The earth is not in the centre of the Sun’s orbit nor at the centre of the universe, but in the centre of its companion elements, and united with them. And any one standing on the moon, when it and the sun are both beneath us, would see this earth and the element of water upon it just as we see the moon, and the earth would light it as it lights us.” This was one of leanardo’s theories that were similar to Galileo’s theory.
He did many sketches of the surface features of the moon as a relevant representation tool of Galileo’s findings:

Maria Clara Eimmart (1676-1707)
Maria Clara Eimmart was as an astronomical illustrator, in the period of 17 th century. Her works directly depict the discoveries of Galileo. Although she was not a successful artist and illustrator (caused by her gender), her works are considered to be a significant documentation of Galileo’s findings. Her work directly depicts his findings and there is no other interpretation of it. Her most famous work is “Phase of the Moon, Phases of Venus, Aspect of Jupiter, Aspect of Saturn” it was done in the late 17th century. It focussed on the astronomical findings of Galileo and other astronomers of her time.
This work represented 12 sets of heavenly phenomena discovered by Gaileo. The first image shows the rocky surface of the moon. The second image shows the various positioning of the moon in different parts of the month, as it revolves around the Earth.The third image shows the discovery of Jupiter , and the forth image shows the incentions of rings around Saturn.
Eimmart shows the influence of science and astronomy in her art work, and Galileo was her deepest inspiration for her art work at her time period

“Phase of the Moon, Phases of Venus, Aspect of Jupiter, Aspect of Saturn” it was done in the late 17th century.

Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640)
Peter Paul Rubens is world renowned Flemish painter who drew together the contributions the main masters of renaissance. He had synthesised the true styles of European art. His paintings in general show an intense drama, through modelling of dark and light. Most of his works were oil on canvas. His most famous work “Saturn devouring one of his children” is inspired from mythology. Saturn is depicted as an evil god. During this time discovery of Saturn was an important discovery by Galileo. He has painted the astronomical image that mirrors perfectly Galileo’s description of Saturn.
This is also clear example of how Galileo’s celestial discoveries had on the world of art.

Lodovico Cardi ( 1559 –1613),
Lodovico is a well known Italian painter and architect of the Baroque period. He spent his final years as an artist in Rome. He was a close personal friend of Galielo and so his works show an obvious contribution of Galileo. He painted the final fresco in the dome of Pauline Chapel of the church of Santa Maria. The painting represented the mythological figure of Madonna standing on a lunar orbit. The lunar orbit was one of the key findings of Galileo. This was one of the first instance of a figurative representation of an orbit in visual arts.
Immaculate Conception

Before this particular painting, the moon behind virgin mary in all versions have been depicted as perfectly spherical. The most striking feature of this painting is that it clashes two both extreme philosophies. It combines mythological belief of the Virgin Mary with astromnomical reaism. It was a bold step to execute this painting as the church was clearly against his ideas. Virgin mary was symbolised as purity and later after many controversies the church named the painting as Assumption of Virgin Mary.

Vincent Van Gogh- Post Impressionist Painter:
Vincent Vangogh is a post impressionist painter who belonged to the late 19th century. His art work focussed on bold expression of forms expressed through short brush strokes and intense colour . All his works show an intense contrast of warm and cool colors which had a more appealing value to the viewer. His works did not have a particular subject matter , rather it focussed on the his emotional state while during the work.
His most famous work is “Starry night” painted in 1889 suggests turmoil and confusion.The painting depicts the view from his room from Saint –Remy-De-Province.he observed the sky and was inspired to do the painting from this view.
Starry night did not represent the sky in a realistic manner .He communicated the vastness of the universe , filled with whirling brush strokes and zillions of bright stars, the earth and the humanity beneath it. The church nestled in the centre of the village below can be seen, perhaps as Vangogh’s attempt to express or reconcile his conflicted feelings. This painting suggests and represents a personal vision of the artist. The exsistence of cypress trees and the swirling placement of the constellations show galileo’s findings of the universe. The artist observed the sky like how Galileo did and he expressed that in his canvas by painting a unique vision that expressing his feelings of turmoil. He used colour, and swirling brush strokes to convey his feelings through the sky. The sky reveals his state of mind.It also somehow represents the Supernova a creation of Galileo- the brightest star. the brightness of the stars is enhanced by colour and quick successive brush strokes.

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Modern day astronomical art inspired by Galileo
Today with many more technological advancements in terms of astronomy and spatial findings artists have gained a lot of inspiration from the celestial heavenly bodies. This is due to the fact that artists have more access to technology and scientific advancements and the outer space world has always been a great fantasy for the artists.
With this advancement, a whole artist group were categorised under Space Artists. Space art is a general term given for art that has been created or inspired from the astronomical findings. Most artists use paintings as a medium to depict new astronomical findings, scientific theories. It is an opportunity for artists to expand the culture of art through science.
Visual art practitioners have explored their imaginations of spatial world not only through paintings but also digital art. Practitioners of the visual arts have for many decades explored space in their imaginations using traditional painting media and many are now using digital media toward similar ends.
Astronomical art: the primary emphasis of astronomical art is to give the viewer impressions of alien and exotic places in the cosmos. Astronomical artists have a sense of lighting , sky colour etc. One should have a reasonable grounding in science, geology , weather etc to be a good space artist.

------------------------------------------------- Chesley Bonestell(Father of Space Art)
He is an American painter, designer and illustrator. His paintings had a major influence on illustration and contemporary art. His most famous series of work is the view of Saturn from its moon. This work of art has inspired many artists , sci fi writers, astronomers, and everone else who was connect with space studies. He also painted the exploration of the moon as it is was discovered by Galileo. He had a very modern approach in painting the moon in a photo realistic manner. His scenes represented an realisitic vision of Mars and beyond.
Galileo’s theories made in the 16th century BC were reflected in his work. His observations on Saturn and the moon were also represented in this work of art.

Some examples of his work are:

Conclusion
Through this project, I learnt the amount of influence Galileo had on the world of art. His discoveries brought a phenomenal shift in the approach various artists’ style. They were strongly influenced by science and he created an urge to incorporate science in art. Galileo’s innovative thinking, bold discoveries has seen its adaptations in a variety of fields such as literature art and science. Each of his discoveries such as moon, milky way galaxy, supernova, pendulum had served as encyclopaedia for people in their respective fields. He is still a living legend and his inventions cannot be matched even at the present day with plenTy of access to technology.

References
Books:
1. Helen Gadner, “Art through Ages”,12th edition, Thomson Wadsworth, 2005 2. Eileen Reeves, Painting the Heavens: art and science in the age of Galileo,Princeton university press 1999. 3. Jurgen Renn, Galileo in context,
Online Journals:
Dyan Cooke, The partnership of art and science : The Moon , Cigoli and Galileo 1999.
, Margret M.Byard. puplished in history today, A New Heaven: Galileo and the Artists Volume: 38. Issue:2
1988
David L. Butts,Galileo and the telescope :Naturalistic representations in Visual astronomy, volume 1, 2006
Online Gallery of vangogh http://www.vangoghgallery.com/painting/starryindex.html Kristine Larsen,”Awomen’s place is in the dome”, Gender and astronomical Observatory : An Online Feminist Journal October ,2009

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[ 1 ]. The partnership of art and science : The Moon , Cigoli and Galileo written by Dyan Cooke, 1999.
[ 2 ]. A New Heaven: Galileo and the Artists, Margret M.Byard. puplished in history today, Volume: 38. Issue:2
1988
[ 4 ]. Eileen Reeves, Paintings the heavens, Art and Science in the Age of Galileo, Princeton university press.
[ 5 ]. http://www.mos.org/leonardo/inventor.html
[ 6 ]. 3The Notebooks of Leonardo Da Vinci, Volume 2 By Leonardo (da Vinci)
[ 7 ]. Drawings of the western half of the Moon by ,Leanardo Da vinci,Codex Atlanticus 674 verso(reproduced with permission of Giunti Barbera. Science History Publications Ltd. Provided by the NASA Astropysics Data system

References:  David L. Butts,Galileo and the telescope :Naturalistic representations in Visual astronomy, volume 1, 2006 Online Gallery of vangogh