Light, Mirror, Perspective. Systematic and metaphoric Aspects of Expression in the Works of N. Cusanus, G. Bruno and G. W. Leibniz

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The purpose of this research project is to investigate the problem of expression from the late Middle Ages to the early modern period, by focusing on a selection of central moments in the history of ideas and by taking into consideration metaphors related with the field of expression. The project aims to sculpt a portrait of the concept of expression and the different dimensions of the concept that were developed during the period under study and also to highlight manifestations and modes of action of expressive relations within this context. The main focus of the research lies on the works of N. Cusanus, G. Bruno and G.W. Leibniz, where the three leading metaphors–light, mirror and perspective–have a special role. These metaphors are looked at in the context of their relations to the art (including art theory) and mathematics of their time, with a view to producing a systematic historical reconstruction of essential aspects of a field that still remains largely unexplored despite its multi-faceted richness. The main aim of this research project is tackled through an approach that is tripartite in three senses: 1. regarding the metaphors of mirror, light and perspective; 2. considering relevant moments of the history of metaphysics, mathematics and art; and 3. taking as a framework the writings of N. Cusanus, G. Bruno und G.W. Leibniz, where one can find not only all three metaphors, but also relationships among all three disciplines. A systematic entanglement of these triple paths is sought within the history of the three disciplines: The metaphors of light, mirror and perspective are a) questioned for their symbolic content in the framework of the philosophical works of the three authors; b) regarded as mathematical devices in the framework of optics as known at the time; and lastly c) considered as motifs for period paintings. The requisite elements are thus acquired so that a concept of early modern expression and expressive relations can be outlined, enabling an adequate understanding of the overall problem and its different dimensions.