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Beauty is produced by the pleasing appearance and good taste of the whole, and by the dimensions of all the parts being duly proportioned to each other.
Marcus Vitruvius Pollio
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Beauty arises from harmonious proportions and pleasing aesthetics in various elements.

This quote by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio emphasizes that beauty is not just an isolated quality but is a result of a well-balanced relationship among all the components of a composition. It suggests that pleasing aesthetics and good taste come from understanding how different parts work together in proportion to create something beautiful.

Themes

BeautyProportionAestheticsHarmonyArt

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about design, one could say, 'As Marcus Vitruvius Pollio stated, beauty is produced by the pleasing appearance and good taste of the whole.'

More from Marcus Vitruvius Pollio

Architects should be educated, skillful with the pencil, instructed in geometry, know much history, have followed the philosophers with attention, understand music, have some knowledge of medicine, know the opinions of the jurists, and be acquainted with astronomy and the theory of the heavens
Marcus Vitruvius PollioRead
Architect's designs must refer to the unquestionable perfection of the body's symmetry and proportions. If a building is to create a sense of eurythmia, it is essential that it mirrors these natural laws of harmony and beauty
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Now architecture consists of order, which in Greek is called taxis ... Order is the balanced adjustment of the details of the work separately, and, as to the whole, the arrangement of the proportion with a view to a symmetrical result.
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I am moreover inclined to be concise when I reflect on the constant occupation of the citizens in public and private affairs, so that in their few leisure moments they may read and understand as much as possible.
Marcus Vitruvius PollioRead
I, therefore, O Caesar, do not publish this work, merely prefixing my name to a treatise which of right belongs to others, nor think of acquiring reputation by finding fault with the works of any one.
Marcus Vitruvius PollioRead
But I, Caesar, have not sought to amass wealth by the practice of my art, having been rather contented with a small fortune and reputation, than desirous of abundance accompanied by a want of reputation.
Marcus Vitruvius PollioRead

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