Scientific Sources and Representations of the Small Stellated Dodecahedra Painted in Genoa

The present study investigates the history, significance, and depiction of a polyhedron painted in the Room of Leda, as part of the decorative plan of Palazzo Balbi Senarega in Genoa, Italy, 1655. The illusory golden oval vault is the main element in the Room of Leda, painted by Valerio Castello, with quadratura by Andrea Seghizzi. It integrates various art forms in its painted architectural structure and figurative mythological insertions. In this same room, one can observe six small stellated dodecahedra. Although an earlier representation of this polyhedron may be found in a Venetian mosaic, Johannes Kepler was the first to describe it comprehensively, in 1619. This study formulates some hypotheses for the meaning of these representations, drawing on scientific and symbolic sources, as well as the objective evidence that the authors observed on site, revealing that the representation of these polyhedra was altered in order to achieve an ideal shape.