Aritmetica en Musica 1563 - 1573

Marin Bonnemer created "Aritmetica en Musica" using engraving techniques, presenting a stark contrast between areas of dense hatching and open space. The composition is divided vertically, contrasting Arithmetic on the left with Music on the right. Each side features a female personification, framed by architectural columns and ornate borders, creating a sense of symmetry and order. The figures stand in contrapposto, engaging with objects symbolizing their respective disciplines. Arithmetic is associated with numbers, calculations, and architectural tools, while Music is depicted with instruments and harmonious elements of nature. Bonnemer challenges fixed meanings by juxtaposing mathematical precision with the fluidity of music, suggesting both are fundamental to understanding the world. The structural arrangement and symbolic objects within the image function as signs, prompting viewers to consider the relationship between rational thought and creative expression.