Even though Albrecht Dürer was a master of perspectival accuracy, the geometric shape of the polyhedron in his 1514 Melencolia I copper engraving does not line up with the other vanishing points of the composition. After comparing conflicting theories about the mysterious Dürer solid, we analyzed the shape with the help 3D computer programs and physical paper models. We ultimately sided with Erwin Panofsky’s theory, which posits that the polyhedron is based on golden ratio proportions and that all twelve corners of the truncated triangular trapezohedron would touch the surface of a sphere when placed into such.

The frosted surface of our spherical polyurethane resin cast disguises the mysterious shape inside. When the lamp is off it feels ghostlike and cold, once the dimmer gets turned on a warm soft light emits from within. The heavy globe with its geometric cavity rests on a solid round copper base.