Concept
Curved Kites
The Curved Kites collection shows arrangements of a series of so-called curved kites, whose dimensions correspond to Fibonacci numbers. A curved kite is an interesting geometric figure that resembles a stingray or a curved kite.
The edge of a curved kite consists of three quarter circles. The two small quarter circles of the same size meet in the pointed tail of the kite. The large quarter circle connects the other ends of the small quarter circles and meets them at a 45° angle.
If the small quarter circles have a radius r, then the large quarter circle has a radius R = √2·r.
A curved kite has the amazing property that its area is exactly r², where r is the radius of the small quarter circles. Consequently, this curved kite has the area of the square in which one of its quarter circles is embedded (see figure below). The curved kite thus shows a kind of “squaring of the circles”.
Foto: © 2024 Gauthier Cerf. All rights reserved.
Curved Kite Fleur-de-Lys
The picture Curved Kite Fleur-de-Lys is created from two opposite Curved Kite Fibonacci spirals rotated by 180º degrees (see the Curved Kite Fibonacci Spiral I ).
Inside the figure thus formed, a new figure emerges from the background in its own figurative form, resembling a stylized lily, which is called Fleur-de-Lys. For many viewers, the Curved Kites even become the background on which the Fleur-de-Lys stands out like a coat of arms.
Fleur-de-Lys
The fleur-de-lys is a widespread stylistic heraldic element which, according to legend, dates back to the Merovingian king Clovis I in the 6th century, who is said to have been presented with a lily by an angel on the occasion of his baptism. In the 4th century BC, similar symbols were even found on coins.
Later, the lily was frequently found on coats of arms, carpets, paintings and ornaments of kings (starting with the French kings in the 12th century), emperors, countries, organizations, armies and their units, right up to the Pope.
Even today, many countries, cities and even the Boy Scouts bear the lily in their coats of arms.
More images from the Curved Kite series: