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The triangle is a timeless favorite in art for achieving perfect balance. It is the most stable shape in art. It’s also a significant Christian symbol, which is why many historical Christian paintings use this triangular design.

In a triangle composition, the lines guide the viewer’s eye in a continuous flow, eliminating distractions and focusing on the main subjects with ease. The invisible triangle holds all the elements together, creating a steady and aesthetically pleasing piece of art.

Raphael’s“Canigiani Holy Family”: In Raphael’s “Canigiani Holy Family,” the triangle starts at Joseph’s head, with Mary and Elizabeth’s bodies aligning perfectly to its edges. On the left, John the Baptist on Elizabeth’s lap follows her form, creating a smooth flow. He and baby Jesus gaze at each other, both positioned similarly on Mary’s lap. Finally, Mary’s head rests under Joseph’s body, completing the flow of the triangle.

Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres’s Portrait of Princess De Broglie: In Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres’s portrait of Princess De Broglie, the triangle design highlights her reserved beauty and the luxurious textures of her dress and chair. The chair forms the right side of the triangle, stabilizing the whole portrait and conveying the sense of peace and serenity the artist intended.

Here’s a little story about the princess: born into royalty, she was shy and reserved, yet possessed a strong intellectual mind. She authored several volumes on the Christian virtues of saints in her early life.

Unfortunately, she died at the age of 35 from tuberculosis, leaving five sons and a grieving husband, Albert De Broglie, who never remarried. 

This portrait was commissioned soon after her marriage and hung in the family’s Paris residence for years until it joined the Lehman Collection in the Met. 

After reading her story, I feel like I can see much more behind these luxurious settings—behind the exquisite jewels, the shining silver, and satins was a beautiful soul who left her family too soon.

TO learn more about composition in art, click this link: https://yingmclane.com/master-composition-in-your-painting-intro/

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