Often basic geometric shapes underly the arangement and/or connection of several shapes or forms in a painting. This arrangement of shapes is designed by an artist. It is not accidental. It is called "composition" and is discussed in the lesson "Composition." Click on the Shapes button to see graphics for the underlying geometric shapes in these works.

   

REMEMBER: You will always learn important information about how an artist arranges a work of art when you discover the underlying basic shapes. Also notice that the underlying geometric shape is not always entirely drawn, but is implied. The viewer infers the completed outline of the triangle in the painting by Raphael and the circle in the sculpture by Myron.