5.2: Perspective
Discussion:
Filippo Brunelleschi, according to the writings of Alberti, is credited with introducing the concepts of vanishing point perspective during the 1430s in Florence, Italy. Applying this technique to drawing and painting, along with the use of new painting technology in the form of oil paints, revolutionized the way artists created the illusion of depth in two-dimensional art. This was happening during the Early Renaissance in Florence, Italy, in the seat of European creativity. Florence, with the leadership and patronage of the Medici family, became the style makers of Europe. A renewed interest in the works of Plato and Aristotle as well as uncovering long hidden ancient texts enabled the great minds of the time to explore new horizons in art and architecture. The early 1400s saw major two-dimensional art, sculpture, and architecture commissions beginning with the bronze baptistry doors of the Florence Cathedral. That competition saw Ghiberti, the recognized master of the International Gothic style, competing against Brunelleschi, the upstart artistic genius. Both submissions are noteworthy and the panel of judges had a difficult task in awarding the significant commission. Brunelleschi’s submission is bold and forward-thinking, just as the Renaissance would soon be. Ghiberti’s is International Gothic at its finest, balanced, and beautiful. In the end, the panel asked Brunelleschi to join forces with Ghiberti, but he refused knowing that two geniuses would likely not work well together. In the triumphant work that Ghiberti creates for the bronze baptistry doors, we see the use of the linear perspective that Brunelleschi shares with his contemporaries. Art moves forward, in part because of the artists who lived at the time, but also because the Renaissance itself was built on the shoulders of those innovators who came before during the Gothic Period.
Mathematical linear perspective,
also known as vanishing point perspective uses a horizon line (equal to eye level) and points on the horizon line to which planes recede. When facing a rectangular structure straight on, one-point perspective is used. When you can view two sides of a rectangular form, two-point perspective is used. Vanishing points can also be located away from the horizon line as in three-point and four-point perspective. Three-point perspective is used when the side planes of an object visually recede to a vanishing point as in looking up at a tall building.
Isometric perspective
is when all sides of the rectangle or other geometric shape are parallel to one another. This technique is historically used in the art of Japan, and also in Islamic two-dimensional art. Video games designers use isometric perspective so the characters can move seamlessly through various environments. This perspective is also rather playful, and a favorite of many graphic designers.
Read the above discussion and view the PDF below (click on the link).
Assignment:
Part 1:
Use a photographic print displaying linear perspective either with one point perspective or multiple points. Using tracing paper as an overlay, or a contrasting marker directly on the print, mark:
1. Horizon Line
2. Vanishing Point or Points
3. Lines of Perspective
Part 2:
Find an example of isometric perspective and share