The Artist's Toolkit: Encyclopedia: Balance | ArtsConnectEd (2024)

There are three different types of balance: symmetrical, asymmetrical and radial. The human figure in this diagram issymmetrically balanced; the same on the left and right sides of a central axis. The tree is asymmetrically balanced; its branches arenot distributed equally on each side but their total weight is balanced left and right. The sun is an example of radial balance; all itsrays are equal in length from the center.

This silver cross is symmetrically balanced: it's right and left side show the same decoration and cut-outs. The bird isperfectly centered, each wing extending into an arm of the cross.

Jhon Goes In Center Warrior's Cross 1991 German silver The Minneapolis Institute of Arts The Christina N. and Swan J. Turnblad Memorial Fund

This sculpture is asymmetrically balanced. The weight of the shape on the right side is balanced by the number of smallerobjects on the left side, and the space that they seem to enfold.

Alexander Calder Mobile Circa 1948 Iron, paint Walker Art Center Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel H. Maslon

Two-dimensional works of art such as paintings, prints and photographs use the principle of balance to organize objects andshapes in a composition. This diagram shows how art elements balance around a center point just as a see-saw balances. If the art elementsdo not balance, the visual scale will tip and give the viewer the sensation that parts of the composition are falling out of thepicture.

The mother and child in this painting are placed at the center of the composition, directly on the central verticaland horizontal axes. The symmetrical balance is reinforced by matching figures on either side of the throne and by the artist'sequally strong emphasis on horizontal divisions of the composition.

Bernardo Daddi Madonna and Child with Saints Helen and Peter and Saints Catherine and Paul; The Angel of the Annunciation; Saint Francis Receiving the Stigmata; The Virgin of the Annunciation; The Crucifixion with the Virgin and Saint John 1339 Tempera and gold ground on poplar panel The Minneapolis Institute of Arts The Ethel Morrison Van Derlip Fund

In another panel of the Daddi triptych, an asymmetrical balance occurs when the three smaller shapes on the right balancethe large figure on the left of the composition. The strong diagonal division created by the mountain reinforces this asymmetry.

Bernardo Daddi Detail of Madonna and Child with Saints Helen and Peter and Saints Catherine and Paul; The Angel of the Annunciation; Saint Francis Receiving the Stigmata; The Virgin of the Annunciation; The Crucifixion with the Virgin and Saint John 1339 Tempera and gold ground on poplar panel The Minneapolis Institute of Arts The Ethel Morrison Van Derlip Fund