Case: Greek Artwork

@blanne (173)
Philippines
August 3, 2008 1:02am CST
In our Humanities class we were told to choose a Greek artwork that exhibits proportion/symmetry/harmony then to answer these questions: How was mathematics applied to achieve harmony and proportion? Compute and explain. I was about to make the case and suddenly I realized I should just post this in case if you guys have more ideas regarding the topic. I chose the Parthenon and would like to know your ideas about it. Thanks. :)
1 response
@bryanski (497)
• Philippines
27 Aug 08
The Parthenon found in the Acropolis is considered one of the Greatest Greek structures in the field of Classic Greece architecture. The Temple is very well designed based on Classic Greek principles. Proportion, harmony and symmetry are shown through the concept of the Golden Mean and more mathematical figures. The Golden Proportion is thought by some people to proffer the aesthetically most pleasant proportion. You may have heard about the Golden Mean, the Golden Section or the Golden Proportion. The three or even more similar connotations mean all to one thing. In this case, I'd use the term Golden Proportion. The Parthenon is one that clearly shows the Golden Proportion. This golden proportion is a way to precisely divide a piece of art including sculptures, music, buildings, etc. The actual value or ratio of the golden proportion is 0.6180399...:1 (phi:1) or 1:1.6180399.. (1:Phi). In words, this means the ratio of the smaller part to the larger part is the same as the ratio of the larger part to the whole part. Golden Proportion is shown in the Golden Rectangles of the Parthenon. The golden rectangles shown in front of the Parthenon shows that the ratio of the whole roof height to the whole height of the structure is phi:1. There are also more golden mean depictions like the rectangular portion of the roof height in relation to the whole roof height and many more intricate details.
1 person likes this
@blanne (173)
• Philippines
27 Aug 08
Wow. Very informative reply! I actually applied the things you said to my case study. So it means that yes, the case study is already done. But still, I appreciate your informative and long reply. It just shows that you really did your research and you really took the time to type all of those stuff considering the fact that you cannot copy and paste things yet. Again thank you for your reply. You have a nice day.. :)