composition (art)

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In art, the arrangement of elements within an artwork to give a desired effect, often described as pleasing (unified and appealing to the eye) or expressive (intended to evoke a particular mood, feeling, or idea). The elements of pleasing compositions are usually held together by placing them in an imaginary plan, either a quadrant, sequential, or asymmetrical form. Linear compositions arrange the elements along a diagonal, or a system of radiating or curving lines, or in the layout of a simple geometrical figure such as the triangle.

A quadrant composition is a simple one, which seeks to create a balance in the changes from light to dark. A sequential composition relies on creating rhythms within a work of art, which lead the viewer's eyes across an image, like notes would lead a listener through a piece of music. An asymmetrical composition tries to create a sense of balance between the two sides of a picture. A painter may want to consider how colours of different ‘heaviness’ are placed on either side of the composition, or the balance between positive (full) and negative (empty) space.

A particularly popular compositional arrangement in the Renaissance was the golden section, a ratio of 8:13 which was considered to be the most visually satisfying ratio for dividing a line or creating a rectangle.

Blue is taken from the Swedish arms. Red and white recall the Danish flag, known as the Dannebrog. Effective date: 15 December 1899. >>