The Perspective Machine Competition

During my STS 321 class, we had a competiton in which we had to build a device based in a Durer's Perspective Machine to make the most accurate and proportional drawing of several objects. Our class was separated in two teams, and the professor provided us with enough materials to build the machine. At first sight, building and using this device seems difficult, but it came out to be really easy and fun. In my team, we came up with 5 or 6 different ideas and we decided to use a method in which we were able to plot accurate points in an efficient way by using strings. We spent 15 to 20 minutes trying to figure out how build the machine, and another half hour to make the drawing. When we finish the drawing, we were surprised of what we had accomplished. The final output was a proportional representation of the objects that we were assigned.

I believe that with enough practice, this kind of machines can be used to make very accurate and proportional paintings, and this kind of tools could really made a difference several years ago when computers and cameras did not exist. From this experience I learned to appreciate more the art and hard work of artists who lived hundreds of years ago.