Perspective, Cartography and Dynamic Notions: From the Plane Bozzetto to Solid Perspective in Two Examples in Tuscany

Abstract

In order to create a perspective drawing on a curved surface, the quadraturista had to face, in addition to the flat perspective drawing issues, also the ones related to the mapping of the three dimensional surface. In literature we can find two methodologically different approaches related to the flat design transposition procedures onto the curved surface: indirect and direct method. The indirect one, partially described by Vignola, is based on the use of pre-designed cartoons on the ground. The direct one, described by Andrea Pozzo, is based on the direct projection of a flat grid onto the curved surface. Both the ceiling painting of the Church of San Matteo in Pisa and the parietal one of the Church of S. Caterina in Livorno show, even if observed from the privileged viewpoints, some irregularities. These irregularities, as we are going to show, are actually the consequences of the method applied for the transposition of the flat drawings onto the curved surfaces.