Final answer:
The Golden Section, also known as the Golden Ratio, has an approximate value of 1.618 and is used to achieve aesthetically pleasing proportions in various fields such as art and architecture. The slight difference between the 1.74 and 1.746 averages in the provided samples may not be statistically significant.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Golden Section or Golden Ratio is a mathematical constant often denoted by the Greek letter phi (Φ) with an approximate value of 1.618. This ratio can be found when a line is divided into two parts such that the whole length divided by the longer part is also equal to the longer part divided by the smaller part. The values mentioned, averaging 1.74 and 1.746 for early and later works respectively, suggest a close approximation to the Golden Ratio, and the slight difference may not be considered significant.
The Golden Ratio is frequently encountered in art, architecture, and nature, which aids in achieving aesthetically pleasing proportions. For example, the front to side column ratio in certain buildings follows the Golden Ratio to create visual harmony. The ratio is also apparent in natural phenomena, as seen in the radial balance of hurricanes and spiral galaxies.
Whether there is a significant difference in the Golden Ratio calculation between the two periods mentioned would require a statistical analysis. However, given the small variance in the averages and standard deviations provided, the difference may not be statistically significant.