Visualizing the History of Representation and its Diffusion Through New Technologies: The Case of Mantegna's Painting and Barbaro's Manuscript on Perspective

One of the major issues, which involved the painters throughout history, was ordering the visual phenomenon of space on canvas. Between the Middle Age and Renaissance the representation of reality changes its purpose passing from a metaphoric intent to a rationalization depending on geometric rules. In the Early Modern age, the position of the observer constituted an important starting point and perspective becomes the main method, technique and strategy for making all pictures. New technologies of visualization shed new light on these problems and help the process of analysis of a work of art. Coming back to the geometric rules of perspective, the case of Cappella Ovetari by Andrea Mantegna, surveyed through a 3D laser Scanner and digital photogrammetry, shows how important is in the painter¿s practice the choice of the right position of the observer to maintain the illusion of virtual space. Studying the geometric rules inside the Daniele Barbaro¿s Manuscript we can focus through new technologies, such as 3D models, renderings and movies, on the theory of perspective and diffuse widely its principles. Our featured speakers will give a short review of their projects to give us a taste of what they're thinking about and engage everyone in a discussion on the topic. All those interested in Media Arts + Sciences at Duke are welcome. Drinks and light snacks will be provided. Please enter through Bay 12 or Bay 9, 2nd floor.