Fascinating Experiments in the Development of Perspective

Exploring the artistic techniques of three-dimensional illusion

Rejection of Joachim’s Sacrifice (c.1304–06) by Giotto. Fresco. 200 × 185 cm. Scrovegni (Arena) Chapel, Padua, Italy. Image source WikiArt

We are all accustomed to the idea that objects further away appear smaller than objects closer to us. You can raise your hand to the sky and cover the moon with your thumbnail — not because the moon is smaller than your thumb but because it appears smaller.