Elements of Linear Perspective

Introduction

• Linear perspective is a technique to recreate a 3D world on a 2D surface.
• Highly accurate and impactful on art.
• Revolutionized by Paolo Uccello and others in the Renaissance era.

Historical Context

• Before linear perspective, artists like Duccio attempted to create realistic spaces but often ended up with illogical perspectives.
• Interest grew in creating rational spaces during the early Renaissance (1400s).

Key Discoveries

• Filippo Brunelleschi (1420, Florence): Credited with discovering linear perspective.
  • Studied Roman architecture to develop the technique.
• Alberti: Codified Brunelleschi's discoveries in his book "On Painting" (1435).
  • Provided the formula for linear perspective.

Components of Linear Perspective

1. Vanishing Point (VP)
   • Central point where parallel lines appear to converge.
2. Horizon Line (H)
   • Represents eye level; all vanishing points lie on this line.
3. Orthogonals
   • Lines that lead to the vanishing point, guiding perspective.

Practical Application

• Example Interior:
  • Create a rectangular frame (representing the painting).
  • Determine the vanishing point (usually centered).
  • Draw floorboards or tiles using orthogonals that meet at the vanishing point.
  • Use a second point on the horizon line to ensure proportional shrinkage of elements in the distance.

Creating Illusion of Space

• Alberti described paintings as windows into another world, emphasizing the illusion of reality.
• Important for Renaissance artists like Masaccio and Piero della Francesca.

Example: Leonardo da Vinci’s "The Last Supper"

• Leonardo uses perspective to focus attention on Jesus, the central vanishing point.
• Orthogonals lead viewer’s eyes to the center.

Conclusion

• Linear perspective is not just a technique but also a tool for directing viewer focus and enhancing the realism of the depicted scene.

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