Perspective

Perspective is a way of depicting space on a flat surface so as to create the illusion of three-dimensionality. Artists analyze how objects diminish with distance, lines converge to one or more vanishing points—these techniques allow the viewer to be 'immersed' inside the painting. It originated in the Renaissance: masters noticed how the view of city streets and fields changes when looking into the distance.

Perspective is often used to enhance drama and realism. During the Renaissance, Giotto first attempted to roughly convey depth, and Brunelleschi described it mathematically. In a humorous vein: many novice artists 'got tangled' in lines and drew buildings receding into space, making paintings look like abstractions!

Perspective is the key to many styles and genres; it makes the image close to our perception of the world.