A theory of pure design

by Denman Waldo Ross

BALANCE IN THE COMPOSITION
OF LINES

97. Lines balance when in opposite attitudes. We get Balance in all inversions, whether single or double.

Fig. 129

Here similar lines are drawn in opposite attitudes and we get Measure and Shape-Balance. In the above case the axis of balance is vertical. The balance is, therefore, symmetrical. Symmetrical Balance is obtained by the single inversion of any line or lines on a vertical axis. Double inversion gives a Balance of Measures and Shapes on a center. We have no Symmetry in double inversions. All this has been explained.

Fig. 130

We have Measure and Shape-Balance on a center in this case. It is a case of double inversion. It is interesting to turn these double inversions on their centers, and to observe the very different effects they produce in different attitudes.

98. Shapes in order to balance satisfactorily must be drawn in the same measure, as in [Fig. 131] which follows.