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Jay Hambidge

January 01, 1970

Jay Hambidge (1867–1924) was an American artist who formulated the theory of "dynamic symmetry", a system defining compositional rules, which was adopted by several notable American and Canadian artists in the early 20th century.

At the Tomb of Omar Khayyam, by Jay Hambidge

Early life and theory edit

He was a pupil at the Art Students' League in New York and of William Merritt Chase, and a thorough student of classical art. He conceived the idea that the study of arithmetic with the aid of geometrical designs was the foundation of the proportion and symmetry in Greek architecture, sculpture and ceramics.[1] Careful examination and measurements of classical buildings in Greece, among them the Parthenon, the temple of Apollo at Bassæ, of Zeus at Olympia and Athenæ at Ægina, prompted him to formulate the theory of "dynamic symmetry" as demonstrated in his works Dynamic Symmetry: The Greek Vase (1920)[2] and The Elements of Dynamic Symmetry (1926).[3] It created a great deal of discussion.[1] He found a disciple in Dr. Lacey D. Caskey, the author of Geometry of Greek Vases (1922).[4]

In 1921, articles critical of Hambidge's theories were published by Edwin M. Blake in Art Bulletin, and by Rhys Carpenter in American Journal of Archaeology. Art historian Michael Quick says Blake and Carpenter "used different methods to expose the basic fallacy of Hambidge's use of his system on Greek art—that in its more complicated constructions, the system could describe any shape at all."[5] In 1979 Lee Malone said Hambidge's theories were discredited, but that they had appealed to many American artists in the early 20th century because "he was teaching precisely the things that certain artists wanted to hear, especially those who had blazed so brief a trail in observing the American scene and now found themselves displaced by the force of contemporary European trends."[4]

He was married to the American weaver Mary Crovatt.[6]

Dynamic symmetry edit

Dynamic symmetry is a proportioning system and natural design methodology described in Hambidge's books. The system uses dynamic rectangles, including root rectangles based on ratios such as √2, √3, √5, the golden ratio (φ = 1.618...), its square root (√φ = 1.272...), and its square (φ2 = 2.618....), and the silver ratio ( ).[7][8]

From the study of phyllotaxis and the related Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, ...), Hambidge says that "a much closer representation would be obtained by a substitute series such as 118, 191, 309, 500, 809, 1309, 2118, 3427, 5545, 8972, 14517, etc. One term of this series divided into the other equals 1.6180, which is the ratio needed to explain the plant design system."[9] This substitute sequence is a generalization of the Fibonacci sequence that chooses 118 and 191 as the beginning numbers to generate the rest. In fact, the standard Fibonacci sequence provides the best possible rational approximations to the golden ratio for numbers of a given size.[clarification needed]

A number of notable American and Canadian artists have used dynamic symmetry in their painting, including George Bellows (1882–1925),[10] Maxfield Parrish (1870–1966),[11] The New Yorker cartoonist Helen Hokinson (1893–1949), Al Nestler (1900–1971),[12][13] Kathleen Munn (1887–1974),[14] the children's book illustrator and author Robert McCloskey (1914–2003),[15] and Clay Wagstaff (b. 1964).[16] Elizabeth Whiteley has used dynamic symmetry for works on paper.[17]

Applications edit

Photography edit

 
Root Rectangles to Generate diagonals for Dynamic Symmetry

The application and psychology of Dynamic Symmetry in such a fast and modern medium such as photography, in particular Digital Photography, is challenging but not impossible. The Rule of Thirds has been the composition of choice for a majority of new and experienced photographers alike.[18] Although this method is effective, Dynamic Symmetry can be applied to compositions to create a level of in depth creativity and control over the image. According to Bob Holmes,[19] a photographer from National Geographic, a photographer must "be responsible for everything in the frame".[20] Using diagonals to align subjects and the reciprocal diagonals associated to the size of the frame, one would be able to create a highly intricate work of fine art. For example, world renowned portrait photographer Annie Liebovitz used this method to create an image,[21] among many others, for Vanity Fair Magazine. The image correctly posed each of the models to intersect the subject with a corresponding diagonal to draw the viewer to the main idea of the photograph.

This powerful process was used regularly by French painter turned film photographer: Henri Cartier-Bresson. Using Dynamic Symmetry, Henri was able to create engaging and interesting photographs that he deemed were made with the idea of "The Decisive Moment",[22] a photographic psychology that describes "when the visual and psychological elements of people in a real life scene to spontaneously and briefly come together in perfect resonance to express the essence of that situation".[23]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b Blake, Edwin M. (March 1921). "Dynamic Symmetry-A Criticism". The Art Bulletin. 3 (3): 107–127. doi:10.2307/3046381. JSTOR 3046381.
  2. ^ Dynamic Symmetry: The Greek Vase
  3. ^ The Elements of Dynamic Symmetry
  4. ^ a b Bellows, George (1979). George Wesley Bellows: Paintings, Drawings, and Prints. Columbus, Ohio: Columbus Museum of Art. p. 3. OCLC 228660551.
  5. ^ Bellows, George, and Michael Quick (1992). The Paintings of George Bellows. Fort Worth, Tex: Amon Carter Museum. p. 94 n. 55. ISBN 0883600684.
  6. ^ "Mary Hambidge, Weaver, Dies; Led Mountain Crafts Foundation". The New York Times. 16 September 1973. Retrieved 17 January 2024.
  7. ^ Hambidge, Jay (2003) [1920]. Dynamic Symmetry: The Greek Vase (Reprint of original Yale University Press ed.). Whitefish, MT: Kessinger Publishing. pp. 19–29. ISBN 0-7661-7679-7.
  8. ^ Matila Ghyka (1977). The Geometry of Art and Life. Courier Dover Publications. pp. 126–127. ISBN 9780486235424.
  9. ^ Hambidge (1920) p. 159; note that his cited ratio 1.6180 is exact only for the pair 500, 809.
  10. ^ Bellows, George (1979). George Wesley Bellows: Paintings, Drawings, and Prints. Columbus, Ohio: Columbus Museum of Art. pp. 3–4. OCLC 228660551.
  11. ^ Ludwig, Coy L., Diane Casella Hines, Robert Fillie, James Craig (1973). Maxfield Parrish. New York, NY: Watson-Guptill Publications. p. 142. ISBN 0823038971.
  12. ^ Nestler, Al (1966). Moods in Oils and Felt Pens. [Tustin, Calif.]: [Foster art Service]. ASIN B000BJTB32
  13. ^ Nestler, Al (1970). Color and Composition. Tustin, CA.: Walter T. Foster. ASIN B000BJOB8W
  14. ^ eBook by Georgiana Uhlyarik, Canada Art Institute
  15. ^ McCloskey, Jane (2016). McCloskey: Art and Illustrations of Robert McCloskey, Downeast Books.
  16. ^ New American Paintings No. 48, p. 153. The Open Studios Press, Boston, 2003.
  17. ^ Whiteley, E. "A Process for Generating 2D paintings and Drawings from Geometric Diagrams." Journal of Mathematics and the Arts. v.2 no.1 March 2008. 20-38 pp.
  18. ^ "Rule of Thirds in Photography [4 Tips for Mastery]". PHLEARN. Retrieved 2020-03-07.
  19. ^ "Robert Holmes". www.robertholmesphotography.com. Retrieved 2020-03-07.
  20. ^ Silber, Marc (2019-11-04). "4 Tips from a National Geographic Photographer". Medium. Retrieved 2020-03-07.
  21. ^ "VANITY FAIR | Vanity Fair | April 2001". Vanity Fair | The Complete Archive. Retrieved 2020-03-07.
  22. ^ Henri Cartier-Bresson The Decisive Moment ARTBOOK | D.A.P. 2015 Catalog Steidl Books Exhibition Catalogues 9783869307886.
  23. ^ "Photographic Psychology: The Decisive Moment". truecenterpublishing.com. Retrieved 2020-03-08.

External links edit

January 01, 1970
hambidge, 1867, 1924, american, artist, formulated, theory, dynamic, symmetry, system, defining, compositional, rules, which, adopted, several, notable, american, canadian, artists, early, 20th, century, tomb, omar, khayyam, contents, early, life, theory, dyna. Jay Hambidge 1867 1924 was an American artist who formulated the theory of dynamic symmetry a system defining compositional rules which was adopted by several notable American and Canadian artists in the early 20th century At the Tomb of Omar Khayyam by Jay Hambidge Contents 1 Early life and theory 1 1 Dynamic symmetry 2 Applications 2 1 Photography 3 See also 4 References 5 External linksEarly life and theory editHe was a pupil at the Art Students League in New York and of William Merritt Chase and a thorough student of classical art He conceived the idea that the study of arithmetic with the aid of geometrical designs was the foundation of the proportion and symmetry in Greek architecture sculpture and ceramics 1 Careful examination and measurements of classical buildings in Greece among them the Parthenon the temple of Apollo at Bassae of Zeus at Olympia and Athenae at AEgina prompted him to formulate the theory of dynamic symmetry as demonstrated in his works Dynamic Symmetry The Greek Vase 1920 2 and The Elements of Dynamic Symmetry 1926 3 It created a great deal of discussion 1 He found a disciple in Dr Lacey D Caskey the author of Geometry of Greek Vases 1922 4 In 1921 articles critical of Hambidge s theories were published by Edwin M Blake in Art Bulletin and by Rhys Carpenter in American Journal of Archaeology Art historian Michael Quick says Blake and Carpenter used different methods to expose the basic fallacy of Hambidge s use of his system on Greek art that in its more complicated constructions the system could describe any shape at all 5 In 1979 Lee Malone said Hambidge s theories were discredited but that they had appealed to many American artists in the early 20th century because he was teaching precisely the things that certain artists wanted to hear especially those who had blazed so brief a trail in observing the American scene and now found themselves displaced by the force of contemporary European trends 4 He was married to the American weaver Mary Crovatt 6 Dynamic symmetry edit Dynamic symmetry is a proportioning system and natural design methodology described in Hambidge s books The system uses dynamic rectangles including root rectangles based on ratios such as 2 3 5 the golden ratio f 1 618 its square root f 1 272 and its square f2 2 618 and the silver ratio d s 2 414 displaystyle delta s 2 414 nbsp 7 8 From the study of phyllotaxis and the related Fibonacci sequence 1 1 2 3 5 8 13 21 34 55 89 144 Hambidge says that a much closer representation would be obtained by a substitute series such as 118 191 309 500 809 1309 2118 3427 5545 8972 14517 etc One term of this series divided into the other equals 1 6180 which is the ratio needed to explain the plant design system 9 This substitute sequence is a generalization of the Fibonacci sequence that chooses 118 and 191 as the beginning numbers to generate the rest In fact the standard Fibonacci sequence provides the best possible rational approximations to the golden ratio for numbers of a given size clarification needed A number of notable American and Canadian artists have used dynamic symmetry in their painting including George Bellows 1882 1925 10 Maxfield Parrish 1870 1966 11 The New Yorker cartoonist Helen Hokinson 1893 1949 Al Nestler 1900 1971 12 13 Kathleen Munn 1887 1974 14 the children s book illustrator and author Robert McCloskey 1914 2003 15 and Clay Wagstaff b 1964 16 Elizabeth Whiteley has used dynamic symmetry for works on paper 17 Applications editPhotography edit nbsp Root Rectangles to Generate diagonals for Dynamic Symmetry The application and psychology of Dynamic Symmetry in such a fast and modern medium such as photography in particular Digital Photography is challenging but not impossible The Rule of Thirds has been the composition of choice for a majority of new and experienced photographers alike 18 Although this method is effective Dynamic Symmetry can be applied to compositions to create a level of in depth creativity and control over the image According to Bob Holmes 19 a photographer from National Geographic a photographer must be responsible for everything in the frame 20 Using diagonals to align subjects and the reciprocal diagonals associated to the size of the frame one would be able to create a highly intricate work of fine art For example world renowned portrait photographer Annie Liebovitz used this method to create an image 21 among many others for Vanity Fair Magazine The image correctly posed each of the models to intersect the subject with a corresponding diagonal to draw the viewer to the main idea of the photograph This powerful process was used regularly by French painter turned film photographer Henri Cartier Bresson Using Dynamic Symmetry Henri was able to create engaging and interesting photographs that he deemed were made with the idea of The Decisive Moment 22 a photographic psychology that describes when the visual and psychological elements of people in a real life scene to spontaneously and briefly come together in perfect resonance to express the essence of that situation 23 See also editOn the Divine Proportion Frederik Macody Lund Samuel Colman List of works designed with the golden ratioReferences edit a b Blake Edwin M March 1921 Dynamic Symmetry A Criticism The Art Bulletin 3 3 107 127 doi 10 2307 3046381 JSTOR 3046381 Dynamic Symmetry The Greek Vase The Elements of Dynamic Symmetry a b Bellows George 1979 George Wesley Bellows Paintings Drawings and Prints Columbus Ohio Columbus Museum of Art p 3 OCLC 228660551 Bellows George and Michael Quick 1992 The Paintings of George Bellows Fort Worth Tex Amon Carter Museum p 94 n 55 ISBN 0883600684 Mary Hambidge Weaver Dies Led Mountain Crafts Foundation The New York Times 16 September 1973 Retrieved 17 January 2024 Hambidge Jay 2003 1920 Dynamic Symmetry The Greek Vase Reprint of original Yale University Press ed Whitefish MT Kessinger Publishing pp 19 29 ISBN 0 7661 7679 7 Matila Ghyka 1977 The Geometry of Art and Life Courier Dover Publications pp 126 127 ISBN 9780486235424 Hambidge 1920 p 159 note that his cited ratio 1 6180 is exact only for the pair 500 809 Bellows George 1979 George Wesley Bellows Paintings Drawings and Prints Columbus Ohio Columbus Museum of Art pp 3 4 OCLC 228660551 Ludwig Coy L Diane Casella Hines Robert Fillie James Craig 1973 Maxfield Parrish New York NY Watson Guptill Publications p 142 ISBN 0823038971 Nestler Al 1966 Moods in Oils and Felt Pens Tustin Calif Foster art Service ASIN B000BJTB32 Nestler Al 1970 Color and Composition Tustin CA Walter T Foster ASIN B000BJOB8W eBook by Georgiana Uhlyarik Canada Art Institute McCloskey Jane 2016 McCloskey Art and Illustrations of Robert McCloskey Downeast Books New American Paintings No 48 p 153 The Open Studios Press Boston 2003 Whiteley E A Process for Generating 2D paintings and Drawings from Geometric Diagrams Journal of Mathematics and the Arts v 2 no 1 March 2008 20 38 pp Rule of Thirds in Photography 4 Tips for Mastery PHLEARN Retrieved 2020 03 07 Robert Holmes www robertholmesphotography com Retrieved 2020 03 07 Silber Marc 2019 11 04 4 Tips from a National Geographic Photographer Medium Retrieved 2020 03 07 VANITY FAIR Vanity Fair April 2001 Vanity Fair The Complete Archive Retrieved 2020 03 07 Henri Cartier Bresson The Decisive Moment ARTBOOK D A P 2015 Catalog Steidl Books Exhibition Catalogues 9783869307886 Photographic Psychology The Decisive Moment truecenterpublishing com Retrieved 2020 03 08 External links editWorks by Jay Hambidge at Project Gutenberg Works by or about Jay Hambidge at Internet Archive Elements of Dynamic Symmetry at Archive org The Greek Vase at Archive org Hambidge Center for Creative Arts and Sciences Archived 2007 09 26 at the Wayback Machine This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain Gilman D C Peck H T Colby F M eds 1905 New International Encyclopedia 1st ed New York Dodd Mead a href Template Cite encyclopedia html title Template Cite encyclopedia cite encyclopedia a Missing or empty title help Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Jay Hambidge amp oldid 1196298320, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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