10.3 Perspective and optical devices in architectural paintings

Dutch artists mastered perspective techniques in architectural paintings, using linear perspective and foreshortening to create depth. They employed vanishing points, orthogonals, and clever tricks to make flat surfaces appear three-dimensional, bringing church interiors and cityscapes to life.

Optical devices like the camera obscura helped artists achieve stunning realism. They also played with anamorphosis and trompe l'oeil illusions, creating mind-bending effects that showcased their skill and engaged viewers. These techniques defined Dutch architectural painting in the Golden Age.

Linear Perspective Techniques

Principles of Linear Perspective

Top images from around the web for Principles of Linear Perspective

• 

  Dutch Golden Age painting - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Amsterdam canal houses by Johan Teyler (1648 -1709). Origi… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Amsterdam Canal Houses on the Herengracht by Johan Teyler … | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Dutch Golden Age painting - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Amsterdam canal houses by Johan Teyler (1648 -1709). Origi… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Principles of Linear Perspective

• 

  Dutch Golden Age painting - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Amsterdam canal houses by Johan Teyler (1648 -1709). Origi… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Amsterdam Canal Houses on the Herengracht by Johan Teyler … | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Dutch Golden Age painting - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Amsterdam canal houses by Johan Teyler (1648 -1709). Origi… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Linear perspective creates the illusion of depth and space on a flat surface by using converging lines
• Vanishing point is the point on the horizon line where parallel lines appear to converge and disappear
  • Objects closer to the vanishing point appear smaller, while objects farther away from the vanishing point appear larger
  • Paintings often feature one (central perspective), two (two-point perspective), or three (three-point perspective) vanishing points
• Orthogonals are lines that are perpendicular to the picture plane and recede towards the vanishing point(s)
  • Orthogonals help establish the sense of depth and create the illusion of three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface
  • Examples of orthogonals in architectural paintings include roof lines, window frames, and floor tiles

Foreshortening Techniques

• Foreshortening is a technique used to create the illusion of an object extending into space by shortening the lines of an object as it recedes into the distance
• Artists employ foreshortening to depict objects or figures that are positioned at an angle to the picture plane, making them appear shorter than they would if seen from a different perspective
  • For example, a person's arm extending towards the viewer would be foreshortened, with the hand appearing larger than the rest of the arm
• Foreshortening adds to the sense of depth and realism in architectural paintings by accurately depicting the relative sizes and positions of objects within the composition
  • Examples of foreshortening in architectural paintings include columns, beams, and other structural elements that recede into the distance

Optical Devices and Illusions

Camera Obscura and Its Influence

• Camera obscura is a darkened room with a small hole or lens that projects an inverted image of the outside world onto an opposite wall or surface
• Dutch artists likely used the camera obscura as a tool to aid in the accurate representation of perspective, light, and shadow in their architectural paintings
  • The camera obscura allowed artists to observe and trace the projected image, helping them achieve a high level of detail and realism in their works
• The use of the camera obscura may have contributed to the development of a more naturalistic style in Dutch architectural painting during the 17th century
  • Examples of paintings that may have been influenced by the camera obscura include works by Johannes Vermeer (The Art of Painting) and Pieter Saenredam (Interior of the Sint-Odulphuskerk in Assendelft)

Anamorphosis and Optical Illusions

• Anamorphosis is a distorted projection or perspective requiring the viewer to occupy a specific vantage point or use a special device to view the image correctly
  • Anamorphic art often appears distorted or unrecognizable when viewed from a conventional perspective but reveals a hidden image when seen from a specific angle or reflected in a curved mirror
• Dutch artists incorporated anamorphosis and other optical illusions into their architectural paintings to showcase their mastery of perspective and to engage the viewer's curiosity
  • Examples of anamorphosis in Dutch art include Samuel van Hoogstraten's "Peepshow Box" and Jan van der Heyden's "Trompe l'oeil with a Flower Piece and a Curtain"
• Optical illusions, such as trompe l'oeil (French for "deceive the eye"), were employed by Dutch artists to create the illusion of three-dimensional objects or spaces on a flat surface
  • Trompe l'oeil techniques often involve the use of realistic shadows, reflections, and textures to trick the viewer's eye into perceiving depth and form where none exists
  • Examples of trompe l'oeil in Dutch architectural painting include Cornelis Norbertus Gijsbrechts' "Trompe l'oeil with Studio Wall and Vanitas Still Life" and Gerard Houckgeest's "Interior with a Woman at a Window"