Arranging the Picture

Balance and Structure

How a picture holds steady

Balance keeps a picture from tipping to one side. Underneath, a simple structure can hold the parts together.

• Symmetric Balance
• Asymmetric Balance and Visual Weight
• Radial Balance
• Armatures
• Thirds, Grids and the Golden Ratio

Works in this part

• Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints (Colonna Altarpiece)
• Little Girl in a Blue Armchair
• Mandala of Jnanadakini
• The Harvesters
• Circus Sideshow (Parade de cirque)

Image: Project Gutenberg · Public domain