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strange but beautiful paintings
The young Sophie Germain getting out of bed to do mathematics
(homage to Balthus)
Oil painting on canvas 19.5 x 15.5 inches. 2006.
The figure in this painting is based on nude in profile 1973-77 by Balthus.
The picture is how I imagine Sophie Germain, who at a young age became very interested in mathematics, inspired by reading an essay on the life of Archimedes (shown as the book on the table in the painting). She started reading Newton and Euler late into the night. Since her parents thought this activity unbefitting for a girl they confiscated her clothes and turned the heating off in the bedroom. However she maintained a secret cache of candles. In the face of her persistence eventually her parents gave in, and Sophie Germain went on to make important discoveries in mathematics, including making some progress towards proving Fermat's Last Theorem.
To comply with web etiquette Sophie Germain claims to be at least 18 years of age in this picture.
All images are copyright © Martin Dace 2007: you must contact me for permission if you wish to publish or reproduce my pictures. Permission will usually be granted for web use provided my authorship and copyright is acknowledged and a link back to my site is provided. A link from my website to yours is also a possibility.