1. Proportions of
the Human Head

2. Vincent Van Gogh,
Self-portrait, 3/4 view
Eyes are
half-way from
top to bottom

4. To the Greeks, beautiful proportion was based on the Golden Ratio
To the Greeks, beautiful proportion was based on the Golden Ratio. The golden section is a line split
into two sections according
to the golden ratio.
Phi = 1.618
The figure’s proportions
are based on Phi, 1 to 1.618

5. “Phi” is for Phidias who designed sculptures for the Parthenon

6. Praxiteles, Hermes Carrying the Baby Dionysus,
5th Century B.C., Classical Greek Period

7. Venus de Milo, 130 – 100 B.C. Hellenistic Period Classical ideal
of reason
and balance 1
1.618

8. Φ - symbol for Phi 5 eye widths across, 8 eye widths high
The Golden Section is
1 : 1.61 (Phi)
Φ - symbol for Phi
5 x 1.61 = 8.05!
Width to height
is near Φ!

9. Width to height = Φ!

10. What about…
Eyes-nose-chin
and
Nose-mouth-chin?
Approx. 1:1.61
or Φ !

12. Self-portrait,
Lucien Freud,
grandson of
Sigmund Freud.
Eyes are slightly
below mid-point
when hair
sticks up above
line of scalp.

13. Outer edges of nostrils
align with tear ducts,
corners of mouth align
with the pupils of eyes.

14. Remember: These proportional landmarks are only general guidelines.
Make adjustments to the “canon” to
suit differences among individuals.