A Ordem do Caos: Geometria como instrumento de análise de pinturas de tetos de igrejas

Abstract

Drawing transcends the mere function of delimiting shapes before adding colors and textures to a painting. Concomitantly, it acts in the organization of the internal structure of the pictorial space, above all establishing a hierarchy of the visual elements, because otherwise the composition would be chaotic and would not have the balance of forms, order, and harmony. Here we propose the use of a geometric analysis in the central space of the ceiling paintings of 19th century churches in Salvador, Bahia, through which we intend to obtain answers to questions related to spatial problems. And in this perspective, clarifying and justifying some of the painters' choices and, thus, proceeding to a reading and interpretation of the iconographic message with more solid foundations, as it is believed that the artist acted consciously and thoughtfully when determining the location of the main elements of the composition.