Vincent Van Gogh,Self-portrait, 3/4 view

Eyes arehalf-way fromtop to bottom

To the Greeks, beautiful proportion was based on the Golden Ratio. The golden section is a line split

into two sections according to the golden ratio.

Phi = 1.618

The figure’s proportions are based on Phi, 1 to 1.618

“Phi” is for Phidias who designed sculptures for the Parthenon

Praxiteles, Hermes Carrying the Baby Dionysus, 5th Century B.C., Classical Greek Period

Venus de Milo,130 – 100 B.C.

Hellenistic Period

Classical ideal of reason

and balance

1

1.618

5 eye widths across,8 eye widths high

The Golden Section is1 : 1.61 (Phi)

Φ - symbol for Phi

5 x 1.61 = 8.05!

Width to heightis near Φ!

Width to height = Φ!

What about…

Eyes-nose-chinand

Nose-mouth-chin?

Approx. 1:1.61

or Φ !

Self-portrait,Lucien Freud, grandson of

Sigmund Freud.

Eyes are slightly below mid-point

when hairsticks up above line of scalp.

Outer edges of nostrilsalign with tear ducts, corners of mouth alignwith the pupils of eyes.

Remember: These proportional landmarks are only general guidelines.

Make adjustments to the “canon” tosuit differences among individuals.