The golden ratio, also known as the golden mean or divine proportion, is an irrational number (1618) and the most commonly used ratio in design and art throughout history, from ancient times to the present day. It is derived from the Fibonacci sequence, which is a series of numbers where each number is the sum of the two preceding numbers (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144). This ratio can be found in nature and seen in the shape of a nautilus shell, the arrangement of a sunflower, and the petals of a flower. It has been applied to many works of art and architecture over the centuries, including the Mona Lisa, the Parthenon, and the Taj Mahal.
The golden ratio has been used in many different ways over the centuries. Here are five of the best examples:
1. Leonardo da Vinci and the Mona Lisa: In one of the most iconic pieces of art in history, the Mona Lisa, the golden ratio has been used in the proportions of the face and figure of the subject. The ratio is seen in the shape of the face, with its proportional relation between the size of the chin and the forehead, as well as in the ratio of the position of the eyes to the size of the face.
2. The Parthenon: One of the most iconic structures in the world, the Parthenon, is believed to be built using the golden ratio. The ratio is present in its columns, the relation between the width of the columns and the height, as well as in the positioning of the windows and doors.
3. The Taj Mahal: The Taj Mahal, located in India, is one of the most famous examples of Islamic architecture and is believed to be built with the golden ratio in mind. The design of the building employs multiple golden ratios in the proportions of the structure, from the width of the columns to the height of the arches.
4. The Great Pyramid of Giza: One of the most iconic ancient structures, the Great Pyramid of Giza is thought to have been built with the golden ratio. Many believe that the proportions of the pyramid’s internal chambers, from the King’s Chamber to the Queen’s Chamber, are related to the golden ratio.
5. Michelangelo and the Sistine Chapel: Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel are believed to have been painted with the golden ratio in mind. It is said that the golden ratio is present in the layout of the painting, in the compositions of individual figures, and in the proportions of the entire scene.
The golden ratio has been used in many different works of art and architecture throughout history, and these five examples stand out as some of the best. From da Vinci’s Mona Lisa to the Sistine Chapel, the golden ratio has had a lasting impact on the world of art and design.