Max Brücknerʼs Wunderkammer of Paper Polyhedra
Proceedings of Bridges 2019: Mathematics, Art, Music, Architecture, Education, Culture
Pages 59–66
Regular Papers
Abstract
In 1900 the German mathematician Max Brückner published a book with photographs of 146 amazing paper polyhedron models. While containing little that was cutting-edge mathematically and not produced as fine art, the photographs have had an enormous influence on mathematical art ever since. The artist M.C. Escher was particularly influential in spreading Brückner's ideas. I argue that the import of the book can best be understood by seeing it as a Wunderkammer—a cabinet of curiosities—that excited wonder in the reader. This paper explores Brückner's work and its legacy from that perspective.