Final answer:
In art, proportion refers to the harmonious relationship between parts of an object and the whole, stemming from ancient Greek principles using the Golden Ratio. Scale is related to proportion and focuses on the relative size of objects, which can create emphasis or illusion in art. Both are crucial elements that contribute to the overall balance and aesthetic appeal of an artwork.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of proportion in art refers to the relationship of parts of a body or form to one another, as well as their relationship to the whole. This idea can be traced back to the ancient Greeks who developed mathematical ratios to create visually pleasing balances in their art and architecture, an approach embodied by the Greek sculptor Polykleitos in the 5th century BCE. He devised rules for sculpting the human form so that each part would harmoniously contribute to the beauty of the whole. These ideals were later engineered into structures such as the Parthenon, which utilized the Golden Ratio to strike a perfect balance between height and width, achieving both elegance and grandeur.
Scale, meanwhile, involves the relative size of one form in comparison to another, helping to create focal points or to generate illusions of depth on two-dimensional surfaces. Artists throughout history have appropriated the concepts of scale and proportion to emphasize certain elements, create harmony, or to evoke certain emotions from the viewer. In contemporary works, like those by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, exaggerated proportions can add a playful or surreal quality to art, captivating viewers of all ages.