What Does Linear Perspective Mean?

Linear perspective creates the illusion of lines converging at one distant point.

Perspective refers to visual perception based on the way an object appears to the eye. Linear perspective is a perspective form that gives the illusion of lines converging in the distance.

Definition

Linear perspective refers to the appearance of objects relative to each other as perceived by their distance from the viewer. Linear perspective, in terms of artwork such as drawing and painting, is represented by parallel lines that appear to converge so as to present an illusion of distance and depth.

Art

Linear perspective in art is achieved via lines and points. A horizontal line is drawn on a medium at the viewer's eye level, designed to represent the point where the ground meets the sky. A vanishing point is drawn close to the horizontal line's center, and depicts where all the parallel lines move toward the horizon line and give the appearance of coming together. Straight lines are then drawn on the medium to depict visual rays, or lines that connect the eye of the viewer to one point in the distance, providing an illusion of convergence.

Photography

Linear perspective in photography depicts depth by making parallel lines converge in the photograph's plane. This effect is produced by scaling the foreground object(s) against the photograph's background elements.

References

• Hanover College: Linear Perspective
• "Practical Geometry, Linear Perspective, and Projection"; Thomas Bradley; 2010

Resources

• "The Art of Perspective"; Philip W. Metzger; 2007