Summary
Highlights
Emphasis and subordination are complementary concepts in art. When one element of an image is emphasized, other elements are subordinated. If the emphasis is on a small, defined area, it's called a focal point. An example is a tomb fresco where Nebamun is the immediate focal point due to his central position, rigid stance, and large size, making other elements less important.
Proportion refers to the size relationships between parts of a whole, while scale is size in relation to a standard or normal size. Artists Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen are known for playing with scale, as seen in their 'Spoonbridge and Cherry' sculpture, which uses exaggerated size to shape its surroundings and make viewers reconsider their own size.
Hierarchical scale is a principle where the most important person in an artwork is depicted as the largest. The ancient Egyptian Palette of Narmer demonstrates this, with the victorious ruler Narmer being the dominant and largest figure, signifying his importance over his enemies.
Similar to music or poetry, rhythm in visual art is the repetition of a pattern that unifies a piece. An Italian Renaissance church façade exemplifies visual rhythm with its repeating vertical elements, arches, and circular motifs, creating harmony and a cohesive feel through alternating dark green and white elements.
Understanding this vocabulary of art and design helps in discussing, describing, and closely observing artworks. It encourages viewers to deliberately identify elements like line and color and how artists use them for specific effects. Viewers are encouraged to practice identifying these formal elements and principles in artworks.