In art, hierarchical scale, also known as hierarchy of scale, is a compositional technique used to emphasize the importance of certain elements within a work.
Understanding Hierarchical Scale
Based on the provided definition, hierarchical scale is:
- A specific technique artists use in composition.
- Its primary purpose is to help define important principles related to scale and proportion.
The reference clarifies that scale itself refers to:
- The relationship between the size, amount, or location of one object compared to another.
- Each object is considered as a whole in this comparison.
Essentially, hierarchical scale manipulates the size of figures or objects in a scene to show their relative importance. More important figures are typically depicted as larger than less important figures, regardless of their actual physical size or distance from the viewer.
How it Functions
Artists employ hierarchical scale to:
- Indicate Significance: By making figures or symbols larger, the artist signals their higher status, power, or religious importance within the narrative or composition.
- Guide the Viewer's Eye: The larger size of key elements naturally draws the viewer's attention, helping them understand the central focus or main subject of the artwork.
- Structure the Composition: It creates a visual hierarchy that organizes the elements and their relationships within the picture plane.
This technique is distinct from using scale to depict realistic spatial relationships (e.g., making objects appear smaller the further away they are). Hierarchical scale prioritizes symbolic or narrative importance over optical accuracy.
Examples in Practice
While the reference doesn't provide specific historical examples, the principle is evident in various historical art periods where social or religious status was paramount.
- In ancient Egyptian art, pharaohs and deities are often shown much larger than common people or enemies.
- In medieval Christian art, Christ or the Virgin Mary might be depicted on a grander scale than saints or donors.
- Even in later art, size can sometimes subtly suggest importance, though pure hierarchical scale became less common with the rise of naturalism and perspective.
Using hierarchical scale is a deliberate choice by the artist to convey meaning and structure the viewer's understanding of the artwork based on the significance of the depicted elements.
