Space and Perspective Concepts

The Use of Registers or Multiple Parallel Base Lines - The Egyptian idea of space was different from that of our Western Culture. Parallel base lines within the same picture plane give the effect of stacked panels and encourage the viewer to “read” the page from top to bottom.

(Weighing of the Heart of the Scribe Ani)

Fractional Representation - Common treatment of space in Egyptian Art. Fractional Representation incorporates the most representative aspects of the body. An example would be the treatment of the human eye on a profile in frontal view.

Relative Scale - When objects known to be of the same size differ in their scale it indicates a difference in their location on the spatial field. The larger objects appear closer. The smaller objects further away.  (Van Gogh’s Haystacks)

Hieratic Scaling - Often the importance, power or strength of the figure would denote its relative size in a composition. In Cimabue’s Madonna and Child Enthroned, as well as Giotto’s painting of a similar subject we see evidence of this technique. The Madonna and Child in both compositions appear much larger than the other figures.

Overlapping - Another way of showing space is the use of overlapping. When one object is placed in front of another the first object is assumed to be in front of the second object even if that object is of greater size. Christ covers the disciples in Masaccio's image The Tribute Money.

Foreshortening - The shortening of forms to achieve the illusion of extension or projection into space. The appearance of correct proportion is achieved by shortening forms in relation to the angle from which they are observed: the more acute the angle of observation, the shorter the forms. Therefore an arm extended toward the viewer would appear shorter than an arm stretched out overhead. Andrea Mantegna was a master of foreshortening. His subjects were often selected so he could solve difficult problems in foreshortening. (Lamentation over Dead Christ)

Aerial Perspective (Atmospheric Perspective) - Because of atmospheric conditions objects that are further in the distance have a decrease in clarity, intensity of color value, and relative texture. Think of the way mountains look in the distance, they have a hazy muted look while the hills in the foreground remain sharp. (A Cabin in the Woods, Thomas Cole)

Geometric Perspective - Is the artist principal system of creating the illusion of three-dimensional volumes existing in space. The Early Renaissance architect Brunelleschi is usually attributed in developing geometric perspective to a level of mathematical accuracy.

Horizon Line -In 'real life', the horizon is where the land (or sea) and sky meet. It is sometimes known as the “Eye Level”.

Vanishing Pt. - The place on the horizon line where receding parallel lines appear to converge.

Birds Eye View - A general view from above, or as if from above.

Worms Eye View - A view as seen from below.