Final answer:
The classical ideal of proportion in art and architecture emphasizes harmonious size relationships among parts of a work and the whole, rooted in classical antiquity with examples like the Parthenon's use of the golden ratio and sculptures by Polykleitos.
Step-by-step explanation:
In art and architecture, the classical ideal of proportion is exemplified by ensuring that each part of the work has an appropriate size relative to the other parts and to the whole. This concept of proportion can be observed in the harmonious relationship of parts of a body or form, such as the size of the head of a figure compared to the entire body or the symmetry of columns in classical architecture.
Rooted in classical antiquity, particularly in Greek and Roman art, this ideal emphasizes harmony, balance, and simplicity. The notion of the classical orders, which include Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian, also illustrates the importance of standardized measurements and relations. An example of the application of these principles is the Parthenon, which showcases the golden ratio, a mathematical concept that many believe creates aesthetically pleasing proportions.
The ideal is also reflected in sculpture, as in the work of the Greek sculptor Polykleitos who used mathematical ratios to achieve lifelike and beautiful proportions. Later, this approach continued to influence artists, including those of the Renaissance, such as Leonardo da Vinci, who explored ideal human proportions in works like the Vitruvian Man.