Genuine Plane Symmetries versus Pseudosymmetries in two Crystal Patterns of Graphic Artwork

Abstract

The reader is informed about a method for the objective identification of the plane symmetry group of a "noisy" crystal pattern. Without giving numerical details, this information theory based method is applied to two beautiful pieces of graphic art. The plane symmetry group identifications distinguish between genuine symmetries and pseudosymmetries as a byproduct. Pieces of graphic/geometric artworks are ideal for the further refinement of the new method because they are macroscopic and their '"noise content" is chiefly due to the handiwork and employed creative procedures of individual artists. As different graphic techniques/procedures were employed in the creation of the classified crystal patterns, one may glean insights on how well a particular technique or procedure supports the realization of a crystallographic symmetry group in a graphic work of art.