Richard Talbot

Design and Perspective Construction: Why Is the Chalice the Shape It Is?

The drawing of “The Chalice” is iconic within the history of perspective, although its author nor the exact date are certain. This paper presents is a study of both the design of the Chalice and of the geometry underlying its perspective construction. Close examination of the drawing reveals the progression of its construction as well as the method of its perspective projection and suggests that the large octagonal mazzocchio was the first element to be drawn. Measurements taken from this and an associated mazzocchio drawing show that their proportions are identical. Further measurement and reconstruction shows that these proportions have their origin in the geometric constructions necessary for the depiction of the mazzocchio. The central proposition of this paper is, therefore, that the design of the Chalice is not arbitrary, but rather derives from the same geometric constructions and procedures required for the construction and depiction of the large octagonal mazzocchio.