Journal for Geometry and Graphics 26 (2022), No. 1, 139--146
Copyright Heldermann Verlag 2022
An Interpretation of the Truncated Triangular Trapezohedron and the Sphere Depicted in “Melencolia I” by Albrecht Dürer
Hirotaka Suzuki
Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
hirotakasuzuki@people.kobe-u.ac.jp
The truncated triangular trapezohedron depicted in the engraving “Melencolia I” by Albrecht Dürer is a rarely used polyhedron. In addition to the meaning of this engraving, various interpretations have been made about the meaning of this polyhedron. In the interpretations, the composition of the dimensions of the polyhedron and its relationship with the projection were mainly argued, and Dürer’s direct intention was not argued. This paper focuses on the oblique axis contained in the truncated triangular trapezohedron, consider the relationship with what is drawn around it and the historical background, and try to interpret the intention hidden in this polyhedron by Dürer. The meaning of the drawn sphere was also positioned as an extension of the intention.
Keywords: Truncated triangular trapezohedron, Albrecht Dürer, applied descriptive geometry, history of engraving, projection.
MSC: 01A40; 51N05
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