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Symmetry

© the artist. Image credit: Royal Scottish Academy of Art & Architecture

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The left panel reproduces Paolo Uccello's 'Perspective Study of a Chalice', c.1450, which is in the collection of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. The incorporation of this image highlights Ian Howard's interest in science and the work of early Renaissance artists. Many of his paintings make references to iconic Renaissance imagery. The title of the Diploma Work 'Symmetry' possibly alludes to the perfect symmetry and precision of Uccello's chalice. There are a number of alchemical images incorporated into the painting. Flanking the perspectival drawing of the chalice are what appear to be two glass jars with various esoteric transfer printed images that have possibly been copied from alchemical textbooks. The right hand panel reproduces in part Vittore Carpaccio's painting 'Saint George and the Dragon', dated 1504–1507, in the collection of Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni, Venice.

Royal Scottish Academy of Art & Architecture

Edinburgh

Title

Symmetry

Date

1998

Medium

oil on board

Measurements

H 136.4 x W 175.6 cm

Accession number

2001.040

Acquisition method

Diploma Work deposit, 2001

Work type

Painting

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Royal Scottish Academy of Art & Architecture

The Mound, Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH2 2EL Scotland

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