The Math Behind the Beauty
gallery
The Math Behind the Beauty
African art and the golden ratio
Throughout history, the ratio has been considered the most pleasing to the eye and that’s why we can say that behind every beauty is the math.
Golden ratio in mathematics
- Two quantities are in the golden ratio if their ratio is the same as the ratio of their sum to the larger of the two quantities. Expressed algebraically, for quantities a and b with a > b > 0 , where the Greek letter phi(φ/Φ) represents the golden ratio.
Licence CC BY-NC-SA-3.0
Ptolemy's theorem
- The golden ratio properties of a regular pentagon can be confirmed by applying Ptolemy’s theorem .
Licence CC BY-NC-SA-3.0
Euclid (325-265 BC)
- -1st recorder definition of the golden ratio, which he called “extreme and mean ratio” in his book Elements
Licence CC BY-NC-SA-3.0
Why is the golden ratio called the golden ratio?
- In ancient times, gold was seen as a perfect and beautiful metal, and it became associated with objects of great beauty or perfection. Same with the golden ratio.
Licence CC BY-NC-SA-3.0
Why the Golden Ratio matters?
- It’s important because it is found (or appears to be) in so many areas of life, most importantly in mathematics. Ancient Egyptian and Greek architects built many of their structures with this ratio in mind. Philosophers see this ratio as having an important significance, since it occurs in nature so often.
Licence CC BY-NC-SA-3.0
African art
- This is the first time the golden ratio has been applied in the analysis of an African art object.
Licence CC BY-NC-SA-3.0
- While the relation between the golden ratio and aesthetics remains highly debated in academic circles,this analysis certainly helps to better understand and appreciate the beauty of this Luba figure, or African art in general.
Licence CC BY-NC-SA-3.0
The Math Behind the Beauty (and here’s one more example) :)
Licence CC BY-NC-SA-3.0
