The
Golden Rectangle is a rectangle that is based upon the Golden Mean, which is a
number that is represented by the Greek Letter phi (F) or represented decimally
1.6180339887499 etc. The Golden Rectangle is said to be one of the most visually
satisfying of all geometric forms; for years experts have been finding examples
in everything from the edifices of ancient Greece to art masterpieces. In recent
times the validity of its link with beauty has been widely debated.
The golden rectangle is found in some art, especially 20th Century art. But,
it would seem that ancient Greek architects did not consciously use it. The
Parthenon is the most famous example of the use of the golden rectangle. People
find the golden rectangle in the Mona Lisa, and other Renaissance art works as
well.
The golden rectangle and the golden ratio sometimes pop up in nature. Below,
we see a spiral which comes from the golden rectangle. We are told that this is
very close to the shape of the shell of a chambered nautilus. This figure is
self-similar, each part is similar to smaller parts and larger parts. This makes
it a rudimentary fractal.
