What does proportion mean in art terms?

In art, proportion refers to the relationship between the sizes and scales of different elements within a composition. It dictates how objects relate to each other and to the overall space, influencing balance and harmony. Artists manipulate proportion to create emphasis, guide the viewer's eye, and convey meaning, often using techniques like the golden ratio to achieve aesthetically pleasing results. Proper proportion can enhance realism or, conversely, be deliberately distorted for stylistic or expressive purposes.