Cite as:
Halper F, 2001, "Visual symmetry and subjective contour in the Ayasofya of Istanbul" Perception 30 ECVP Abstract Supplement

Visual symmetry and subjective contour in the Ayasofya of Istanbul

F Halper

An elegant way of creating visual symmetry from nature is called matchbooking. One splits and unfolds material which has an inherent pattern of vein or grain, such as marble or wood. The result is a new perceptual entity; a shape with bilateral symmetry, such as we see on the back of a typical violin. The 6th century Ayasofya of the Emperor Justinian was built as a church, later used as a mosque, and is currently a museum. Covering its walls are some of the finest and oldest examples of unfolded panels of colorful veined marble. Examination of these revetments and sheathings reveals several patterns achieved by (i) multiple pairs of single unfoldings, (ii) twin booking, (iii) triple booking (four slabs) rotated about a pivot, and (iv) up to eleven alternately unfolded sequential slabs producing a wall of waved continuity. A most unusual revetment perceptually involves the use of a block of Proconnesian cippolino marble whose white and gray veins were shifted slightly as a result of tectonic stresses in its geological past. Observers presented with these displays report Gestalt groupings such as good continuation, symmetry, subjective contour (of the Kennedy type), and reversals of occlusion.

These web-based abstracts are provided for ease of seaching and access, but certain aspects (such as as mathematics) may not appear in their optimum form. For the final published version of this abstract, please see
ECVP 2001 Abstract Supplement (complete) size: 1517 Kb