Complex and simple proportions and the aesthetic attractivity of visual patterns.

It is hypothesized that a figure with sides and angles in complex ratios (that is, other than 1:1) makes an aesthetic impression only when the complex ratios entail simple ones. An experiment is reported in which twelve pairs of line drawings were presented in which one drawing (A) always contained one or more 1:1 ratios, whereas in the other drawing (B) such simple ratios could not be indicated. In seven pairs the A pattern was preferred significantly. In this context, the alleged aesthetic appeal of the golden section is discussed.