5 Famous Artworks Through a SciArt Lens

Most of us have come across a few famous art pieces over the course of our lives. We might not have understood the nuances of the work but we surely could experience their magnificence.

But, have we ever stopped to look at these artworks through a SciArt lens? Is there any science behind these timeless pieces?

Let’s don our thinking caps today, power up the left side of our brain and take a look at a few of history’s most famous artworks. Let’s ask ourselves- What do I see?

1. The Creation of Adam - Michelangelo

Michelangelo's The Creation of Adam

So, what do we see?

Two men reaching out for each other. Perhaps one of them represents God and the other might have been one of the first humans, Adam. But, what more?

Doesn’t the red scarf that surrounds God and his companion angels seem to resemble the human brain?

Could this painting also depict man’s curiosity, wanting to reach out to the divine?

It's art, no doubt. But is it also not science?

The musculature of the figures, the resemblance to the human brain, and ultimately the hunger for knowledge- all of this symbolise a great awareness of science.

Michelangelo, the artist behind this masterpiece, was a renowned painter and sculptor of the Renaissance era, a time when science and art as disciplines were still in their nascent stages. His work, like the work of his contemporaries, showed a fine balance between science and art.

2. Winged Victory of Samothrace

Winged Victory of Samothrace

One of the greatest greek masterpieces of the Hellenistic period, the sculpture of the goddess Nike, is a fine example of SciArt.

How, you ask?

While the details on the sculpture mesmerise our eyes, it is the science that went behind creating this piece that takes one’s breath away.

The entire piece is made of marble. A brittle, heavy, and non-malleable substance. It certainly doesn’t flow as the winds blow past it. However, the craftsmen who created this wonder were able to beautifully capture the fluid moment of thin fabric draped on the goddess’ body using marble.

Her wings, the most iconic part of the sculpture, are also made of marble. It's no mean feat to make that much marble hang in the air without any support.

Standing tall at the Louvre even after 2000 years, the Nike of Samothrace is a testament to human innovation and artistic brilliance.

3. A Philosopher Lecturing on the Orrery - Joseph Wright of Derby

Wright of Derby’s A Philosopher Lecturing on the Orrey

Artists often use their surroundings as inspiration for their work. We can see this throughout the ages. But, what if one artist takes inspiration from a classroom?

Joseph Wright of Derby’s A Philosopher Teaching on the Orrey is a fine amalgamation of art and science. While the painting itself is a piece of art, it shows how knowledge is shared.

The students gazing intently at the sculpture, another student taking notes, one holding his head in, what seems to be, confusion, books piled at the back. The tutor confidently sharing what he has learned with those around him.

All of this is mundane to most of us. But, think of a time when society saw a monumental shift from artistic pursuits towards “scientific methodologies.” It was at this time when artists and writers were spreading the word about the importance of science and observation.

4. Newton - William Blake

William Blake’s Newton

This artwork by William Blake of the famous scientist, Issac Newton, is perhaps the closest we can come to conveying a scientist’s story through art.

So, what do we see here?

Isaac Newton is sitting at the bottom of the ocean, using his tools to do some calculations on a scroll. This piece is an artist’s imagination mixed with facts, as Newton is credited with developing calculus.

Could his sitting alone at the bottom of the ocean symbolise the fact that he was someone who preferred to stay by himself? Or the fact that he is somehow too oblivious to notice where his studies have taken him?

As this is the case with many scientists who dive too deep into their work and sometimes disconnect from the world around them.

The painting quite accurately captures Newton’s passion for science, and surprisingly, his personality too.

5. The Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh

Vincent van Gogh's The Starry Night

Vincent van Gogh’s most memorable pieces were his self-portrait and, of course, the starry night. Swirling paint strokes combined with careful use of colours create an image that almost looks like it's moving. Something truly brilliant. No wonder it has kept people captivated.

But, what else do you see?

Movement through strokes, and the moon shining brightly to illuminate the dark night sky. However, there’s something else here too.

Turbulence- The chaotic flow of a fluid. Somehow, through his despair, van Gogh was able to capture the patterns of turbulence so well that it not only lent his paintings a certain edge but also perplexed scientists who had spent their lives trying to study the concept.

A true culmination of SciArt- science in art and art in science.

All these artworks we saw, are stories themselves. A story as old as our understanding of the world. The story of art and science.

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