Golden Ratio

Golden Ratio

In mathematics, a proportion obtained if a point P divides a straight line AB in such manner that AP : PB = AB : AP; also known as the golden section. It is often denoted by

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It was applied to architecture by Vitruvius, and much discussed during the Renaissance. Pietro della Francesca's 'Baptism of Christ' (National Gallery, London) is just one example of a composition set up according to this proportion.

Numerical proportion considered to be an aesthetic ideal in classical design. It refers to the ratio of the base to the height of a rectangle or to the division of ...