The beautiful principle of symmetry has been used in art since earliest times. In the 17th Century BC, the Ancient Chinese produced bronze vessels decorated with a symmetrical design and borders. The word ‘symmetry’ comes from a Greek word meaning agreement in dimension, due proportion, and arrangement. Symmetry as a mathematical concept means that a shape or form does not vary when reflected or rotated.
By definition, symmetry is ‘the quality of being made up of exactly similar parts facing each other, or around an axis.’ In Art it is ‘the correct or pleasing proportion of the parts of a thing’. It includes equality, agreement, balance and proportion. Nature is full of symmetry, in faces, flowers or foliage, in the butterfly, for example, or a snowflake. This is probably why we find symmetry so beautiful – it conveys the harmony and familiarity of nature.
Symmetry in Art and Design
Because symmetry results in harmony, proportion and balance, it has been incorporated into architecture, such as medieval cathedrals or the Taj Mahal. Both the external view and the interior floor plans and mosaics have had this principle applied, with aesthetically pleasing results. Other forms of art, such as wheel-made pottery, rugs and quilts have been created using symmetry. A potter working on the wheel is able to make a pot which is perfectly symmetrical across its shape, with vertical variations. Quilts are built up in squares, which lends itself to balanced and ordered patterns. Similarly, rugs are usually rectangular, and traditional Persian designs are symmetrically harmonious.
Modern Aesthetics
There are some drawbacks to symmetry from an artistic point of view. It may be predictable, due to repetition in a design or fine art image. In addition, there is an inherent quality of formality in symmetrical design. Certainly, the advent of Japonisme with its surprising asymmetrical composition presented a new type of aesthetic. The cut off, close-up images of modern photography, and the development of Abstract Art have tended to lead away from formal ideas of symmetrical aesthetics. However, overwhelmingly, symmetry in art presents images that are organised, balanced and consistent. This conveys a peaceful unity that is appealing to the viewer.
Symmetrical Design in the Goldcrest Gallery Collection
‘Little Gems‘ is one of the most symmetrical images in the Goldcrest Gallery collection. And it is also one of the most reliably popular. The design axis passes in a central line through five single blooms in the middle of the design. From this, the botanical motifs spread out equally across each side of the rectangle in a perfect mirror image. The apparently free and informal foliage on one side is following exactly the foliage patterns on the opposite side. Similarly, the scattered colours of the floral motifs are reflected identically on both sides of the design. The overall effect is peaceful and harmonious.
‘Forget-me-nots‘ has more linear foliage, which is mirrored both horizontally and vertically. Thus, all the areas in this design have equal emphasis and organisation. As a result, there is a tranquil harmony which makes this card an ideal choice for more formal occasions.
Browse our selection of symmetrical designs from the Goldcrest Gallery archives, or enjoy the whole Goldcrest Gallery greeting card collection, where you will soon see many other lovely examples of symmetrical design!