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| Here is a piece that I created after being inspired by the palace. |
I am sitting now in a section of this magnificent palace. The majolica tiles line the rooms from the floor to the ceiling, and are truly a spectacle. I would take this place over any club with a flapper show in the evening. I am discovering that the more time I stay here in this magical setting, the more strange looks I encounter from tourists. They are puzzled to see me so intent in deciphering these great artistic feats that cover the walls. I have also noticed that this palace is filled with mathematical complexities; there are shapes everywhere, and I when I sit outside and stare into the heavens, I see these same shapes mirrored in the clouds. As I sit here I am content, not with my work but with my life. Through my many years of traveling I have fallen in love with Italy, and even though I was just in Florence in April, I have decided that I shall return promptly. I have desires to paint the breathtaking landscapes that fill the countryside but due to my new found interest in the geometry which I am discovering all around me, I believe that I do not want to paint typical landscapes. My ideas including bringing the land into the center of the plane, as if it were merging into a pit, or possibly skewing the perspective to play a trick on the viewer. Whatever I decide I am completely inspired by this palace and plan on returning some day. I hope that Italy holds good artwork in my future.
Maurits Cornelis Escher
Hello Maurits!
ReplyDeleteI am inspired by the courage you took to follow your dream as a mathematician, instead of complying with your father’s wishes. My father as well wanted me to be something I had never liked: a merchant. However, upon hearing of my decision to be a mathematician, he became quite supportive. The Alhambra is incredibly beautiful and Granada is a wonderful city! The process of deciphering the art on the wall is exciting. That is a huge project to take on, the artistic feats that line the walls of the Alhambra are but many. Yet, I know you will decipher them in no time. I am so glad to hear that you would like to return to Italy, since it is my homeland. Would you like to have dinner one-night and discuss mathematical theorems? I would also like to know more about your idea of a “typical landscape picture”. What type of visual tricks do you plan to play on the viewer?
Sincerely,
Fibonacci
Maurits,
ReplyDeleteIt is a pleasure to hear about your dear mentor Samuel Jesserum de Mesquita. I myself have many influences, and I know the discoveries I've made would not have been possible without them. I can also relate to your painstaking re-sketching. During my work on axiomatic proofs, I redid sketches millions of times. My friends at the university thought I was crazy! I see an eye for perfection and detail is something we share. Although I have never traveled to the palace you speak of, your fantastic art helps me paint a picture in my mind of the inside of this magnificent palace. I am very impressed by the geometric precision, and the beautiful symmetries within certain parts of the piece. I am curious though; what tools do you use when creating these designs?
Warm Regards,
David Hilbert