Marvel at Hundreds of Mathematician Max Brückner’s Remarkably Precise Models of Polyhedra



Books
Design
History
Science

#art history
#geometry
#math
#models

February 22, 2024

Kate Mothes

All images via Internet Archive

If you’re a mathematician who specializes in geometry, you might be called a geometer. No other term could so neatly describe the meticulous focus of German scholar Max Brückner (1860-1934), who was lauded during his lifetime for his remarkable collection of polyhedra models.

In 1900, Brückner collected many of his specimens into the book Vielecke und Vielflache, Theorie und Geschichte, or “Polygons and Polyhedra, Theory and History,” which dives into great detail about the mathematically exact, three-dimensional shapes. His discoveries include beautifully complex forms known as the final stellation of the iscosahedron and the compound of three octahedra, the latter of which M.C. Escher incorporated into his 1948 wood engraving, “Stars.”

Dig into more of Brückner’s incredibly precise models in the Internet Archive. (via Present & Correct)

 

A page from a 1900 book by Max Brückner about polyhedra showing an array of detailed geometric models.

A page from a 1900 book by Max Brückner about polyhedra showing an array of drawings of detailed geometric models.

A page from a 1900 book by Max Brückner about polyhedra showing an array of detailed geometric models. A page from a 1900 book by Max Brückner about polyhedra showing an array of detailed geometric models.

A side-by-side image showing detailed drawings of polyhedra.

A page from a 1900 book by Max Brückner about polyhedra showing an array of detailed geometric models.  A page from a 1900 book by Max Brückner about polyhedra showing an array of detailed geometric models.

#art history
#geometry
#math
#models

 

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. You’ll connect with a community of like-minded readers who are passionate about contemporary art, read articles and newsletters ad-free, sustain our interview series, get discounts and early access to our limited-edition print releases, and much more. Join now!