Trompe l’oeil
Trompe l’oeil is the term used for a technique that creates the illusion of reality. It is French for ‘fool the eye’ or ‘deceive the eye’. It has long been used by artists for paintings and murals, but can also be found in architecture where walls, ceilings, domes and other surfaces are painted with designs that ‘trick’ the observer into seeing other features such as windows, columns, stonework, ornaments and so on.
The first instance of trompe l’oeil perspective techniques being used in architecture can be found in the medieval period, but it became increasingly common during the Renaissance. Artists were often employed to paint the inside of churches, to give walls the appearance of decorative features, columns, windows, views and so on. Perhaps the most famous example of the technique is Michelangelo’s frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican.
The technique is also found in the design of stage sets where forced perspective can be used to give the impression that the stage is deeper than it is.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Architectural styles.
- Architrave.
- Arts and craft movement.
- Bas-relief.
- Baroque architecture.
- Classical orders in architecture.
- Cornice.
- Elements of classical columns.
- English architectural stylistic periods.
- Entablature.
- Frieze.
- Finishes.
- Gargoyle.
- Grotesque.
- Large-scale murals.
- Nineteenth century architecture.
- Pilaster.
- Polite architecture.
- Skeuomorphism.
- Stained glass.
- Tessera.
- The architectural profession.
- Vernacular architecture.
IHBC NewsBlog
IHBC London Branch Conference launched and open for booking
‘Creative Conservation: Partnerships and Public Value’ - 4 Oct, Royal College of Physicians - leading speakers, unequalled debate - a CPD opportunity not to be missed!
IHBC latest Jobs etc skills review
Specialist areas and skills in demand, from design and project management to regulation and more featured in our celebrated – and very cost-effective - IHBC Jobs etc service.
Ideas bear fruit, as early career members ‘reverse mentor’, generating fresh perspectives on the institute’s future plans and structures!
IHBC Scotland at Listed Property Show in Edinburgh
IHBC Scotland will host a CPD session at the Show on 27 October, while an IHBC stand will offer more informal access and conservation advocacy to visitors.
IHBC Heritage from the doorstep
A traditional building in the Appleby Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) is filming its ‘work in progress’ as part of work grant aided by Historic England as reported by Cumbria Crack!
English Heritage celebrates the Cooper Car with a blue plaque.
A blue plaque has been placed at the home of the former Cooper Car Company, marking its motoring heritage.
Community Tree Planting Grants and £1.5million woodland fund look to make London the world’s first National Park City.
‘What if mothers or teenagers designed our cities?’ An opinion piece in the invites us to consider what our cities would look like if cities reflected their diverse populations.
V&A Dundee opens Saturday 15 Sept
IHBC NewsBlogs reports on some building construction and collection highlights, including spectacular drone footage of work in progress and to completion.
IHBC supports LPOC petition on VAT reductions for Listed Buildings
LPOC notes ‘...it is perverse that repairs should be subject to VAT when new development is not'.
Loyd Grossman recently appeared on a BBC radio programme to discuss NIMBYism in heritage and development, the programme is currently available on BBC iPlayer.
Call to share land value with communities
England’s SoS for Housing, Communities and Local Government is sent an open letter by leading campaign organisations calling for land value to be shared.
Redrock Stockport wins 2018 Carbuncle Cup
The 2018 winner of the Carbuncle Cup is Redrock Stockport, a £45m leisure complex and car park designed by BDP for the local council.