Up: Geometry in Art


Perspective

The School of Athens, by Raphael

This painting is an excellent example of the use of perspective in art.


  • Background Information

    Perspective is a method of rendering three-dimensional objects on a flat surface so that they appear more realistic or true-to-life. There are different ways to express visual data. For example, several points of view may be presented simultaneously. This system was common in the Middle Ages. Another way to represent an object is by breaking it up into several parts diagramatically. Also, parts could be rearranged, abstractly to express emotions or feelings. Finally, a single point of view could be selected for the appearance of reality. This is called perspective. No single system is more correct than any other. The system of perspective was established during the European Renaissance (c. 1450).

  • Assumptions and Definitions

    The author makes the following assumptions:

    • Access to a computer which is connected to the www through a browser such as Netscape. (Hey! you made it this far.)
    • The program: The Geometer's Sketchpad is installed onto the user's computer.
    • Netscape is configured to load Sketchpad as a helper application.
    • It would be helpful if students have some familiarity with geometric constructions.

  • Examples


    Here are some examples of perspective.

  • Student Activities

    Download these sketches to see how to create your own perspective drawings.


    LESSON ONE

    Drawing without perspective.


    LESSON TWO

    Comparison of two drawings.


    LESSON THREE

    One point perspective.


    LESSON FOUR

    Two point perspective.


    EXAMPLE OF PERSPECTIVE USING CONCENTRIC CIRCLES


    A FAMILY OF RAYS

  • Bibliography

    Lalli, V. Intermediate Perspective, Exposition Press, 1959.

    Montague, J. Basic Perspective Drawing, Van Nostrand Reinhold,1993.


    Send comments to: Rod Gordon
    Created July 1996 Updated: 24 July 1996 A.D.

    Copyright © 1996 by Rod Gordon. All Rights Reserved