1. Golden Mean, Golden Ratio
Golden Section
Golden Mean, Golden Ratio

2. Golden Ratio
Definitions –Golden Mean is a line divided into two parts so that the smaller line has the same proportion, or ratio, to the larger line as the larger line has to the whole line.
Golden Rectangle-has sides that match this ratio-the shorter sides are half as long as the longer sides.
This ratio is considered to be most pleasing to the eye.

3. Golden Ratio in Nature
The golden ratio is found in nature

5. This ratio has been used by mankind for centuries
Its use may have started as early as with the Egyptians in the design of the pyramids,
                                        
                                                       

6. Greek Architecture
The Greeks recognized it as "dividing a line in the extreme and mean ratio"and used it for beauty and balance in the design of architecture

7. Renaissance
The Renaissance artists knew it as the Divine Proportion and used it for beauty and balance in the design of art

8. Golden Ratio in paintings

12. Summary
The Golden Section is a simple tool that may be used to enhance the meaning and beauty of an architectural work or visual art.  Most of all, though, the Golden Section reminds us that proportions are important to all works of art, and that we must learn to look at nature and at the masters of the past.