Perspective

Perspective is the technique used to represent a three-dimensional world (what we see) on a two-dimensiona

l surface

(a piece of paper or canvas) in a way that looks realistic and accurate, as we see it in nature. Perspective is used to create an illusion of space and depth on a flat surface.

The rules of perspective applied in Western art as we know them today were developed during the Renaissance. Prior to this, there wasn't an expectation that paintings would be realistic, or naturalistic representations of life. Instead paintings were stylized and symbolic. For instance, the size a figure was painted could indicate their importance relative to the other figures, a

nd individual colours had significance greater than their actual hue.

Mantegna liked to experiment with perspective,

lowering his horizon in order to creat

e more drama .

Masaccio is considered the most influential early Renaissance painter. He was one of the most revolutionary artists of his time in terms of mathematical perspective and being able to create a believable three-

dimensional reality.

Uccello was obsessed by his interest in perspective

and would stay up all night in his study trying to grasp the exact vanishing point. He used perspective in order to create a feeling of depth in his paintings