A theory of pure design

by Denman Waldo Ross

We may have not only an alternation of attitudes in these cases, but an alternation of shape-character.

Fig. 206

The repetition of outlines-within-outlines may be concentric or eccentric. The repetition is concentric in [Fig. 204]. It is eccentric in the example which follows.

Fig. 207

In all eccentric repetitions like this we have a lack of balance and the suggestion of movement. The direction of the movement is determined by the direction of convergences and of the crowding together of attractions. The movement in [Fig. 207] is up-to-the-left, unmistakably. Repeating the composition of [Fig. 207], at regular intervals and without change of attitude, the movement up-to-the-left would be extended to the repetitions and the movement would be rhythmical. The movement is rhythmical in the composition itself, as shown in [Fig. 207], because the movement in the composition is regular in character, regular in its measures, and unmistakable in direction.

Fig. 208

This is another example of eccentric repetition in outlines-within-outlines. As in [Fig. 207], we have movement, and the movement is rhythmical.