The even-order symmetrical magic square in the upper right corner of Durer's famous Melancholia engraving fascinates me.
It's relatively easy to construct odd-order magic squares by following simple formulas, but the even-order, numerical pun, and symmetry of Durer's is a thing of beauty.
And of course the engraving itself is absolutely stunning. I saw a print of it once at the Clark in the beautiful Berkshires, where I sometimes would drag anyone who'd go along to see the great Impressionist collection there.
I ran into the Durer by accident. That's the best way, I suppose.
Lucky for me I've had a few days away from hospital nursing in which I could think about such things. Sometimes when we work, the vast beauty of our world is not what we first consider. Too busy.
3 comments:
Gosh, I didn't know you were into math!
A man of many talents, obviously.
this is why i love the internets. one learns the most fascinating things from the neatest people.
You guys are *two* much! Thanks for stopping by.
My favorite uncle is a retired math teacher, as is his wife. He himself was actually my 7th-grade math teacher back in the day, and one Christmas he gave me my first Glenn Gould album.
Anyways, math is fun.
I remember hearing a snippet from a Clinton talk on the radio. He was asked what differentiated his economic policies from Reagan and Bush the 1st, and he said "We did the math."
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