1. A Renaissance Approach to Religious Paintings
Sacred Geometry
A Renaissance Approach to Religious Paintings

2. Orthogonal:
An objective or imaginary line used in linear perspective for emphasis or to articulate a vanishing point.

3. Sacred Geometry…Broad Definition:
“belief system attributing a religious or cultural value to many of the fundamental forms of space and time
the basic patterns of existence are perceived as sacred because in contemplating them one is contemplating the origin of all things.
By studying the nature of these forms and their relationship to each other, one may gain insight into the scientific, philosophical, psychological, aesthetic and mystical laws of the universe

4. What this has to do with the Renaissance:
Christianity says that God created the patterns and is Himself the origin of all things (“intelligent design”)
Humanism studies Man’s origin in order to gain insight into Man’s potential for greatness
In sacred geometry art, it is orthogonals that divide a painting a certain way to show religious significance
Also, the union of the Christian perspective with the humanistic perspective suggests the union of God and Man’s ambitions joining.

5. Baptism of Christ, Piero della Francesca
Circle = Heaven
Rectangle = earth, matter
Christ is the link between
Ratio of 3:2
3 = trinity
2 = man and deity

6. Trinity by Massacio upward triangle=thanksgiving
downward triangle = receiving God’s grace
upward triangle=thanksgiving

7. Annunciation by Carlo Crivelli

8. Annunciation by Carlo Crivelli

9. Sketch for Adoration of the Kings
Lots o’ orthogonals, eh?

10. The Last Supper
13 orthogonals symbolize 1 Christ plus 12 disciples

11. Crucifixion, Raphael
Series of triangles with apex at the top of the cross
Giving and receiving grace indicated in up and down exchange of crosses
Overlying Star of David shows Jesus’ symbolism as the messiah of the Jews