Friday 13 June 2014

The Flagellation by Piero Della Francesca

"The Flagellation" shows perspective using orthogonal lines on the tile lines. The lines are also shown on the rail and roof on the red building and the ceiling structures that Christ is standing under. Francesca had clearly used Alberti's Theory of Perspective. The artwork shows Jesus getting flogged with Pontius Pilate deciding on Jesus' fate. The artwork involved mathematical ratios (7:10) and the geometrical construction. It mathematically calculated to give accurate grid space. This help make it naturalistic and accurate. The vanishing point was not plotted on Jesus, the important/sacred figure but placed on a pillar left of Jesus. This was to achieve visual harmony and unity.The low viewpoint also emphasizes the two scenes. The golden section draws attention to the two different scenes. The vanishing point also creates a low viewpoint since it was placed below the hips and the pillars can be seen overlapping each other. The low viewpoint also accentuate the two scenes. There is also naturalistic light seen from the sky and this achieved space and depth. The light also highlights the figures in a cylindrical form. The vanishing point and pillar (golden section) separates the two groups. The vanishing point also draws the viewer to the back of the picture plan. Foreshortening is the minimal except for the arms and feet. The 3D manner was contributed by the fall of the drapery. The golden section 1/3 - 2/3 drew attention to the two different scenes. Francesca used Alberti's floor tiling design but in a more complex way. Christ is also seen gazing at the vanishing point as his head is linked with the orthogonals. 



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