Question

The space division depicted in the painting "Last Supper" done by Leonardo da Vinci follows which of the following rules?

• A. Silver Ratio
• B. Golden Ratio
• C. Rule of Thirds
• D. Rule of Fourth

Hint:

For High Renaissance masterpieces like those by Leonardo da Vinci, associate their compositional harmony with the mathematical ideal of the Golden Ratio, which was a subject of great interest during that period.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Analyze the composition of Leonardo's "Last Supper." The painting is a masterpiece of High Renaissance composition, known for its mathematical precision, harmony, and use of linear perspective. The figure of Christ is the central, organizing point.
Step 2: Consider the compositional principles. The Golden Ratio (approximately 1.618:1), also known as the Divine Proportion, was studied extensively by Renaissance artists and mathematicians, including Leonardo's contemporary and friend, Luca Pacioli. It was considered a key to creating aesthetically pleasing and harmonious proportions.
Step 3: Apply the principle to the painting. Art historians and analysts have shown that the fundamental proportions of the "Last Supper"—such as the dimensions of the room, the placement of the figures, and the positioning of architectural elements like the windows and table—can be closely related to the Golden Ratio. While the Rule of Thirds is a common compositional tool, the sophisticated and mathematical structure of the "Last Supper" is more deeply aligned with the Golden Ratio.