A painting's technique, color, and perspective may all be excellent, yet the painting will fail unless its composition succeeds. Composition is the harmonious arranging of the component parts of a work of art into a unified whole. Henry Poore examines the works of old masters and moderns in this book and uses these examples to explain the principles of compositions in art.All the paintings that the author analyzes are illustrated in the text ? 166 illustrations, including 9 in full color. Thirty-two diagrams by the author accompany his textural discussion of such topics as the importance of balance, entrance and exit, circular observation, angular composition, composition with one or more units, and light and shade. Balance is the most important of these topics, and it is considered in the greatest detail ? balance of the steelyard, vertical and horizontal balance, and so on. A complete index enables the reader to locate his own specific areas of interest.To see how a painting by Cézanne, Goya, or Hopper, for example, follows definite principles of composition allows the practicing artist or art student to learn composition from the finest instructors ? the artists themselves. This book is also very useful to the art devotee, who will find his appreciation of the subject greatly enhanced.

I. THE IMPORTANCE OF BALANCE Balance of the steelyard Rules Scale of attraction Vertical and horizontal balance The natural axis Apparent or formal balance Balance by opposition of line Balance by opposition of spots Transition of line Balance by gradation Balance of principality or isolation Balance of cubical space2. ENTRANCE AND EXIT Getting into the picture Getting out of the picture3. CIRCULAR OBSERVATION Circular composition Reconstruction for circular observation Color plates4. ANGULAR COMPOSITION The triangle The vertical line in angular composition Angular composition based on the horizontal Line of beauty Structural line5. COMPOSITION WITH ONE OR MORE UNITS Two units Three units Groups The figure in landscape6. LIGHT AND SHADE Principality Gradation INDEX