Pythagoras is writing: the board on which the numerical ratios underlying the sounds are shown is missing from the Cartoon, graphic representation of the harmonic ratios, together with the sacred tetractys (clearly visible instead in the fresco in the Vatican). According to Giovanni Reale’s interpretation, the three young people around Pythagoras would represent the three ages in which mathematics must be taught to young people. The character with the turban would simply indicate the Arabic origin of numbers.
© Francesco Cibati
Every Sunday, from May 23, 2021
On the occasion of the celebrations for the seventh centenary of Dante Alighieri's death, the exhibition presents a precious selection of Divine Comedies from the Ambrosiana Library.
Opening hours, booking and access procedures from April 29
