±«Óătv

Proportion Golden ratio

Proportion describes the relationship between the dimensions of different elements and an overall composition. Scale refers to an artwork’s size and how parts of a composition relate to each other.

Part of Art and DesignPrinciples of design

Golden ratio

Proportion can be used for effect as well as for realism.

The Golden Ratio is a proportion that occurs in nature. It reflects the rate and pattern in which many things grow – shells, ferns, even galaxies. We are used to seeing the Golden Ratio in the world around us, so using it to compose art and design can make a work look natural, calming and ‘right’.

The Golden Ratio can be written mathematically as 1:1.62. Objects are related by the Golden Ratio when one is 1.62 times the length of the other.

Golden spiral which moves from left bottom corner over to the right before curling into the middle using the rule of thirds
The Annunciation, Leonardo da Vinci, 1472-75, oil on panel, Artepics / Alamy Stock Photo
The Annunciation, Leonardo da Vinci, 1472-75, oil on panel, Artepics / Alamy Stock Photo

The composition of The Annunciation (Leonardo Da Vinci, 1472) uses the Golden Ratio as a relationship between many measurements:

  • The position of the stonework at the corner of the building in relation to the edges of the frame
  • The line of the top of the wall in relation to the top and bottom of the frame
  • The position of the ornament in relation to the edges of the tabletop
  • The spacing between groups of trees
  • The height taken up by the yellow sash, red bodice and blue skirt of the Virgin Mary’s clothing
Next page
The Rule of Thirds
Previous page
Altering proportions

More guides on this topic