From Art to mathematics in the paintings of Theo van Doesburg

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to show how present, use or find some mathematical concepts, starting from an artistic production. In particular, we chose Arithmetic Composition I (1930), painted from Theo van Doesburg: we propose to read it with mathematical eyes. In our path we touch the concepts of ratio, geometrical progression, gnomon, perimeter and area, symmetry and so on. We wish that our suggestion can promote the need and the opportunity of mathematical instruments for investigating more in depth, in any context. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.