Respond to ONE of the following discussion prompts:
- There has been a great deal of discussion about the scale and proportional ratios used in the design of the Parthenon. Some scholars say that none of the proportional ratios was used, while others point to their obvious inclusion throughout the design. Regardless, this piece of architecture displays a timeless design that many have evaluated throughout history. Discuss how the Parthenon’s design relates to at least four of the artistic principles explored in this chapter, namely Scale, Scale And Meaning, Hierarchical Scale, Distorted Scale, Proportion, Human Proportion, The Golden Section, and Proportional Ratios.
OR - Many artworks throughout history have relied on focal point and emphasis to support the artist’s message. Use what you have learned about focal point and emphasis in this chapter to analyze Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper (3.6.15). Describe how focal point and emphasis are used in this work and how that influences your interpretation of the artist’s message. Also discuss the use of subordination. What aspects of the work are being downplayed? Why? Now choose a second artwork from elsewhere in the book, and conduct the same analysis.