[Illustration: Fig. 88]
This line may be said to be in balance, as it has no inclinations,
either to the right or to the left, to suggest instability. The
verticals and the horizontals, being stable, look after themselves
perfectly well.
[Illustration: Fig. 89]
This line has two unbalanced inclinations to the left. It is,
therefore, less satisfactory than the line in Fig. 88, from the point
of view of Balance.
[Illustration: Fig. 90]
The two inclinations in this line counteract one another. One
inclination toward the left is balanced by a corresponding inclination
toward the right.
[Illustration: Fig. 91]
In this case, also, there is no inclination toward the left which is
not balanced by a corresponding inclination toward the right.
[Illustration: Fig. 92]
In this line, which is composed wholly of inclinations to the right
or left, every inclination is balanced, and the line is, therefore,
orderly in the sense of Balance; more so, certainly, than it would
be if the inclinations were not counteracted. This is the problem of
balancing the directions or inclinations of a line.
75. A line having no balance or symmetry in itself may become balanced.
The line may be regarded as if it were a series of dots close together.
The line is then a relation of positions indicated by dots. It is
a composition of attractions corresponding and equal. It is only
necessary, then, to find what I have called the center of equilibrium,
the balance-center of the attractions, and to indicate that center by a
symmetrical inclosure. The line will then become balanced.
[Illustration: Fig. 93]
Here is a line. To find the center of its attractions it may be
considered as if it were a line of dots, like this:—
[Illustration: Fig. 94]
The principle according to which we find the balance-center is stated
on page 23. The balance-center being found, it must be indicated
unmistakably. This may be done by means of any symmetrical inclosure
which will draw the eye to the center and hold it there.
[Illustration: Fig. 95]
In this case the balance-center is indicated by a rectangular
inclosure. This rectangle is not, however, in harmony of character with
the line inclosed by it, which is curved.
[Illustration: Fig. 96]
In this case the balance-center is indicated by a circle, which, being
a curve, is in harmony of character with the inclosed line, which is
also a curve. I shall call this Occult Balance to distinguish it from
the unmistakable Balance of Symmetry and other comparatively obvious
forms of Balance, including the balance of double inversions. As I
have said, on page 24, the symmetrical framing must be sufficiently
attractive to hold the eye steadily at the center, otherwise it does
not serve its purpose.