The Birth of the Mathematical Theory of Perspective Guidobaldo and Stevin

Abstract

For reasons soon to be explained, I consider Guidobaldo del Monte to be the father of the mathematical theory of perspective and hence pay considerable attention to his work. It is natural to take up Simon Stevin’s work on perspective in connection with Guidobaldo, since Stevin’s contributions are a direct continuation of some of Guidobaldo’s accomplishments. In fact, it was through reading Guidobaldo that Stevin came to see the fundamental problems of perspective, and he was such a gifted reader that he understood the master’s ideas better than the master himself.