The Trompe l'oeil reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Jul-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Trompe l'oeil

Trompe l'oeil, literally meaning "trick the eye", is an art technique that creates and employs an apparently realistic image as a type of optical illusion. Although the phrase has its origin in the Baroque period painting what should be there but isn't dates back much further. It refers usually to paintings that are done on objects - usually walls - created with a deliberate attempt at creating false perspectives and effects. To cite an example, if there were a door on one end of a wall, a trompe l'oeil painting might be done at the other end, complete with effects of persons peeping through it; or a blank wall might be painted as a representation of a view outside.

Trompe l'oeil can also be found painted on tables and other items of furniture, where it may look like cards in a game which is being played out, but in relaity the eye is being tricked with an image.

Trompe l'oeil effects can also be found painted on the exterior walls of buildings.

Trompe l'oeil artists include:

• John F. Peto
• William Harnett

See also: Still life, Mural

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