Untitled from Large Illumination Drawings 1972

This 'Untitled' drawing from the Large Illumination Drawings by Simone Forti presents a compelling arrangement of geometric shapes in blue. We see triangles nestled within circles, a configuration resonating with ancient symbols of harmony and balance. These forms are not new; they echo through history, appearing in Renaissance studies of proportion and sacred geometry, where similar arrangements symbolized cosmic order. Consider Leonardo da Vinci’s 'Vitruvian Man,' which encapsulates these same principles, embedding the human form within a circle and square to reflect perfect proportions divinely inspired. Here, these shapes create an emotional landscape of stability, their repetition invoking a sense of calm, even meditative, equilibrium. The drawing invites us to consider the subconscious underpinnings of our attraction to these shapes, symbols, and patterns. These forms recur through time and culture, revealing our deep-seated longing for order. The simple shapes carry echoes of the past, reappearing and adapting across centuries, each time imbued with new layers of meaning.