In art, "proportion" refers to the relationship between the dimensions and scale of different elements within a composition. It focuses on how sizes relate to one another, whether in terms of height, width, or volume. Proportion can affect the overall harmony and balance of a piece, influencing how the viewer perceives spatial relationships and the importance of individual elements.
Artists often manipulate proportion intentionally for various effects, such as emphasizing a particular subject, creating a sense of depth, or eliciting emotional responses. In historical contexts, specific systems of proportion, like the "golden ratio," have been employed to achieve aesthetic balance and beauty in artwork.