Composing in the Round - Polygons in Traditional Art

Explore the intentional use of geometry in traditional arts, crafts, and architecture through this lecture by Michael S. Schneider. Delve into the application of regular polygons, particularly concentric ones, in establishing proportional systems within compositions to create unity and harmony. Discover how polygonal composition incorporates number and shape symbolism associated with religion, mythology, culture, and societal organization. Examine numerous examples of regular polygons in round (tondo) creations from various ancient cultures, revealing how these shapes, patterns, and proportions have been applied to harmonize elements in painting, jewelry, ceramics, sculpture, and architecture across different cultures and time periods. Learn about specific geometric concepts such as concentric circles, the 3 and 6 relationship, and square roots, while exploring diverse artifacts including Greek drinking bowls, North Rose windows, Egyptian and Chinese paintings, Byzantine domes, and Mayan mazes.