Artists and architects have been interested in the golden ratio, also known as the divine proportion, since ancient times. However, there are specific periods when its use became particularly prominent:
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Ancient Greece (c. 500-300 BC): The Greeks were among the first to explore the golden ratio in their art and architecture. The Parthenon is often cited as a prime example.
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Renaissance (14th to 17th century): The golden ratio experienced a resurgence during the Renaissance, as artists and architects sought to achieve harmony and beauty in their work. Figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo employed the golden ratio in their compositions and proportions.
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Baroque Period (17th century): Though the Baroque period is noted for its dramatic expression and ornamentation, some artists still utilized the golden ratio in their designs and layouts.
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19th and 20th Centuries: The fascination with the golden ratio continued into modern art movements, including Art Nouveau and Modernism, where some artists, such as Le Corbusier, explicitly used it in their designs.
Throughout these periods, the golden ratio has been associated with aesthetics and has been applied in various forms of art, architecture, and design.