An infamous example can be found in Leonardo’s variations for churches formed on the shape of the Greek cross.
In his variations Leonardo forms plan arrangments by combinning squares and circles.
What is the relation of the religious symbol versus the artistic symbol? As the speakers of a language or those who are literate with it, better understand the letters of the particular alphabet, a religious symbol is a sign the significance of which is better understood contextually by the “believers”. And yet, the same symbol seen as an artistic element remains a signal with unforeseen qualities. It has the power to become “significant” even for those who cannot grasp its designated meaning. The sign of the cross, the circle – the most perfect Platonic form that symbolizes the celestial dome – and the square, symbol of the earth become signs of faith among the first Christians. The same shapes used as elementary formal alphabet and implemented in temples, become pleasing to the eye, and thus constantly “significant” even to those who cannot grasp their designated connotations. |
