unity

In art, unity refers to a balanced and pleasing arrangement of its parts, creating a cohesive whole. This principle is often described as "unity-in-diversity," where a complex array of elements is integrated harmoniously. In painting, unity is achieved through the arrangement of lines, shapes, colors, tones, and textures into an expressive pattern.1234

An "organic unity" in art means that all parts are interdependent and contribute to the overall entity, much like the organs in a living organism. This interdependency is crucial; removing or altering one part can significantly impact the entire work. While great works of art often exhibit unity, they can also contain elements that are less essential, demonstrating that unity-in-variety is a key, but not the sole, criterion for artistic excellence.52