Why are some objects pleasing to the eye? (2024)

Sometimes when you look at a painting, or a sculpture, or a photograph, it just feels good. But why? Why are some things enjoyable to look at, and others less so?

How the golden ratio affects aesthetics

The most aesthetically pleasing images are all based on the golden ratio. The golden ratio is, put simply, a rectangle a little more than 1.6 times wide as it is high. If a perfect square was cut from the rectangle, you’d have an identically-proportioned rectangle. If you continued to cut squares from these rectangles, you would continue to get identically proportional rectangles in ever diminishing sizes.

The Mona Lisa and the Parthenon are two classic examples of art and design where the elements adhere to the golden ratio. The elements are either spaced out to fit a rectangle of the golden ration between them, or the objects themselves have golden ration proportions. In more modern times, widescreen TVs and movie screens are similarly proportioned.

But why is the golden ratio so pleasing? Scientists believe this proportion is the easiest for the eye to scan for, and process, important details, especially when the longer side is horizontal. When you scan left to right, your left eye will take over when what you’re looking at leaves your right eye’s field of vision. When you’re looking up and down, on the other hand, both eyes work at the same time and it takes longer to scan the area. Therefore, since this shape is easiest for the eye to process, it’s been incorporated, consciously or not, into many works of art.

How different shapes affect aesthetics

People also find some shapes of objects more pleasing than others. For example, soft, round objects are more aesthetically pleasing than sharp objects. According to the Smithsonian, there are a few reasons for this.

First, the eye and brain perceive soft, curvy items as being similar to living organisms. This means the brain perceives them as friendly, food, or something else appealing. On the other hand, sharp or jagged objects can be perceived as either dangerous or inedible, which are less appealing to people. This is why, from architecture to furniture to sculpture, so many objects we see every day have soft curves.

Whether the objects you’re looking at are pleasing or not, the eye doctors at CEENTA want to help you see them as best as you can. If you need an eye exam or have a vision issue, schedule an appointment with us today.

To make an appointment with a CEENTA eye doctor, call 704-295-3000. You can also schedule an appointment online or through myCEENTAchart.